Jimmy White kept his hopes alive for a record-extending fifth JenningsBet World Seniors Snooker Championship title. He secured a 4-1 opening round victory over Daniel Ward on Thursday afternoon.
‘The Whirlwind’ capitalised on a nervy start from the Crucible Theatre debutant. Ward had won the Golden Ticket qualifier to reach this stage. White raced into a 3-0 lead before getting over the line in the fifth to set up a second round meeting with Robert Milkins on Thursday evening.
Doherty to Face O’Sullivan After Black Ball Drama
There was black ball shootout drama as Ken Doherty overcame Gerard Greene to set up a first ever Crucible contest against Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Doherty had trailed 3-2 to Gerard Greene, but fired in a break of 88 to force a shootout decider before potting the final black to advance.
Dale and Lines Advance
Also on Thursday afternoon, Dominic Dale swept aside Wayne Townsend 4-0 with a top break of 92. Peter Lines held off a comeback from ‘The Sheriff of Pottingham’ Anthony Hamilton to win 4-2.
Farebrother Stuns Drago
The action began on Wednesday evening as Craig Steadman, Roger Farebrother and former World Seniors champions Igor Figueiredo and Aaron Canavan each advanced in a session that concluded after midnight.
The biggest story of the opening day came from Crucible Theatre debutant Farebrother, who stunned two-time World Seniors Championship semi-finalist Tony Drago by defeating ‘The Tornado’ 4-2.
The second round action begins at 7pm BST on Thursday evening.