A WHIRLWIND is predicted to hit Weymouth in July – but not the weather kind.
That’s because snooker legend Jimmy ‘The Whirlwind’ White and fellow professional Alfie Burden are putting on an exhibition at the Dorset seaside town.
The duo, who contested the World Seniors Championship final earlier this month, will play at Snookes on Friday, July 7 (7pm).
White emerged victorious at the Crucible Theatre against Burden, winning the battle of the left-handers 5-3 to lift the World Seniors crown for a fourth time.
Often recognised as the ‘People’s Champion’, White lost six World Championship finals during his career and is widely seen as the best player never to have won the world title.
Burden, the current world 99, is this week attending Q School in Leicester to gain a two-year spot on the main World Snooker Tour.
He must win five matches to secure one of only eight cards available in the 208-player field.
And the Paddington-born ace is relishing playing in Weymouth this summer, promising to put on a “good show” for snooker fans in the county.
He told Echosport: “I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve watched videos of the seafront and all that.
“Me and Jimmy always put on a good show. We’re lifelong friends and now and again we play together.
“We’re looking forward to interacting with the crowd and having a few beers.”
Burden, who has previous experience in Dorset having played at Bournemouth, is expected to contest a best-of-five exhibition match with White.
A handful of lucky club players will get to face White or Burden in a one-frame shootout, while scotch doubles plus a question and answer session are also on the billing.
One special ticket to play White or Burden is also being auctioned off to raise funds for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Dorset County Hospital.
The highest bidder will get the chance to play one of the stars, with all proceeds going to the SCBU.
Snookes chief Austin Wainwright is itching to see the duo in action.
He said: “Jimmy White’s just a living legend. I’ve grown up playing snooker for as long as I can remember and he’s just a hero, the People’s Champion.
“He’s always going to be the number one, in my eyes, and I absolutely can’t wait.
“I’ve heard quite a bit about Alfie and they seem to be good pals. I think it’s going to be a great, fun night.”
Snookes’ previous exhibition night involving a current professional came way back in 2013, when Mark Selby showed off his skills on the baize.
Snookes are hosting the event in collaboration with player agency MSK Sports Management.
Their chief, Kevin, nicknamed ‘The Giraffe’ for always sticking his neck out for MSK players, is keen to see the rematch between the Seniors finalists.
“Being Alfie’s management team, we’re excited to bring Alfie out along with Jimmy,” he said.
“We’re very lucky that the final of the Seniors was with these two. It’s going to be nice to have that final revisited here.
“It will be nice for people to have a one-on-one with the People’s Champion, arguably in the top five names you’d associate with snooker.”
Limited tickets are on sale via: www.msksportsmanagement.com and at Snookes for £30 per person, with 60 seats expected to be available in addition to standing room.
VIP tickets, including a reserved seat, meet and greet, plus a signed photo from both players, are priced at £55 each.
The exhibition is being sponsored by Dorset Trade Windows and MN Walker Scaffolding.
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