Jimmy White's secured first ranking tournament victory of the season after beating Rory McLeod in the Regal Scottish Open. The 40-year-old Londoner ended a six-game losing streak at Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre but Northamptonshire-based qualifier McLeod made him work hard for a 5-2 win.
And White's performance did nothing to suggest he can upset back to form John Higgins in the last 16 on Thursday evening. "I'll have to up my game against Higgins," agreed the six-times world championship finalist. "But if I bring my `A' game to the table I know I can win. At least I know where I stand with Higgins.
"I didn't know what to expect against Rory but he potted some good balls. There's nothing wrong with my game. I'm playing well in exhibitions but I've been under so much pressure to get a victory. "
White's win will also halt his slide down the provisional world rankings as he had dropped to 19th before the tournament and will go to the world championship later this month facing relegation from the top 16 elite.
While White laboured for 151 minutes to subdue McLeod, Higgins demolished Welshman Anthony Davies 5-0 in only 80 minutes. He did so with breaks of 102, 60 and 66 as he continued with his fine form from the Irish Masters.
Filed by Johnny Proby
