Jimmy White says 'get a life' after snooker star's 'shocking' World Seniors Championship criticism

Jimmy White has made his feelings clear after a fellow snooker star criticised the choice of location for the World Seniors Championship.

The 2026 edition of the popular tournament got underway on Wednesday at the Crucible Theatre, with four-time champion White in action on Thursday.

'The Whirlwind' picked up a 4-1 win over Daniel Ward, earning himself a second-round clash against Robert Milkins.

Milkins secured a 4-3 victory late last night and will take on Brazil's Igor Figueiredo, who whitewashed defending champion Alfie Burden, in round three.

Under World Seniors Tour regulations, any player over 40 can qualify for the tournament, with Ronnie O'Sullivan, Ali Carter and Stuart Bingham among those who have entered this year.

Mark Williams was due to be among the field but pulled out earlier this week due to a clash with an event in China.

David Gilbert, who is now 44 and is eligible to compete in the Seniors if he chooses, has questioned why the tournament is held at the same venue as the World Championship.

The former world semi-finalist made his feelings clear in no uncertain terms, telling Metro: "I hate that they play the Seniors there. I think that's shocking.

"The only people that should play at the Crucible are people that go through this qualifying school or a top 16 professional.

"It's not for hacking around in exhibitions. It's the Mecca of snooker."

It can be suggested as a counter-argument that most players who qualify for the World Seniors Championship are Crucible veterans.

Out of the 2026 field, four players - O'Sullivan, Carter, Milkins and Matthew Stevens - all appeared at the World Championship, while Ken Doherty won the 1997 title and Reanne Evans is a 12-time women's world champion.

And White, who reached six world finals without winning but who deserved several titles to his name, responded in a separate interview with Metro: "Get a life! Listen, this is why we're here [to play at the Crucible]. Why not?

"It's a World Championship, the World Seniors. I don't know why people would say that. It don't make any sense."

World Seniors forced to issue statement over table conditions

White's comments came shortly before the second-round match between Stevens and Dominic Dale, which had to be moved from table two with Stevens leading 2-1.

Footage showed the cue ball sharply bouncing up off the table on a number of shots.

The issue was caused by a fault with the slate underneath the table, resulting in Stevens and Dale having to play the remainder of their match on table one. Stevens went on to win 4-2.

On punditry for Channel 5, who are broadcasting the tournament, 1991 world champion John Parrott said: "The slate's completely gone underneath. It's raised. It's a bit like playing over a sleeping policeman at the moment!

"The ball's coming along and just jumping in the air. You've never seen anything like this.

"At the moment, there's a big problem and you can't play on it. It's as simple as that."

The World Seniors Tour stated: "Due to a fault with Table Two, there will be no further play on it this evening (Thursday).

"Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale will conclude their match on Table One following Ali Carter v Roger Farebrother.

"Alfie Burden and Igor Figueiredo will play at 9pm BST in a private area of the practice room.

"Table Two will be replaced overnight."