Jimmy White looks set to retain his place in the top 16 next season after beating Stuart Bingham 5-2 at the Thailand Masters in Bangkok. The whirlwind, currently ranked at number 11 in the world, was forced to play in some pain after he injured his back in a recent fishing expedition.
After the game was level at 2-2 at the mid-session interval, White produced some vintage snooker to chalk up breaks of 58, 74 and 46 and wrap up the required three frames in just 31 minutes. Afterwards, White spoke of the problems he has been having with his back and added he was very happy with his performance.
"We went sea-fishing down there, had a few strenuous days and maybe that was the problem. When I got back to my hotel and lifted my suitcase onto the bed, my back just went completely. I fell on the ground like a sack of potatoes. I was really worried because I didn't leave my room for 36 hours, but the doctor gave me an injection and some tablets. I've still in a bit of pain in my side, but nothing like it was," said the perennial crowd favourite.
"Considering what's happened, I'm really happy with that. It was alright," he added. White will play either Anthony Davies or Matthew Stevens in his next clash.
Filed by Tom Grealis
