Jimmy White's chances of becoming Embassy world champion for the first time ever after he was defeated 13-11 by Stephen Lee this evening. The six times Crucible Theatre finalist suffered a second round knockout against Stephen Lee tonight.
The Whirlwind, who celebrates his 41st birthday next month, led 10-7 early in the final session. But it was Lee, the world number seven from Trowbridge, who finished strongly to claim six of the last seven frames and record a 13-11 win.
Lee, who has never been beyond the quarter-finals at Sheffield, now plays Alan McManus or Marco Fu for a place in the last four of the £1.682 million event.
It was an excellent performance by the 28-year-old Wiltshire star but the result will not endear him to White's legions of fans. Indeed, with the early demise of Ronnie O'Sullivan, another major crowd puller has departed the tournament with 10 days to go.
The only saving grace for White was that he is likely to keep his place in the top 16 next season and will not need to qualify.
Ken Doherty has his work cut out to qualify for the quarter finals after a disastorous day against Scotland's Graham Dott. Doherty failed to make a break of over 40 during the day and trails 6-1. He actually went 6-0 down to Dott who hit breaks of 67 and 80 before Doherty gave his fans something to cheer about by taking the last frame. Their match resumes tomorrow.
Filed by Johnny Proby
