'Absolutely delighted' – Jimmy White hits sparkling 132 break to qualify for Northern Ireland Open, Ding Junhui wins

Jimmy White produced a vintage finish as a closing break of 132 saw him complete a 4-3 win over world No. 68 Yuan Sijun to qualify for the Northern Ireland Open. The former Masters and UK champion led 3-1 boosted by an opening knock of 75 in the first frame, but Yuan fought back to level at 3-3 with an 83 break in the fifth frame forcing the deciding frame in Wigan.

Ad White's response was glorious as a total clearance secured his spot in the last 64 at the Belfast Waterfront Hall in October (16-23 October). Northern Ireland Open'I told him personal things' – Allen thanks O'Sullivan for inspiring weight loss10 HOURS AGO The Eurosport pundit – who had been a professional for 20 years when Yuan was born in 2000 – has attributed his hot run of form to son Tommy helping him focus on longer practice sessions. “Tommy is working with me, getting the balls out for me,” said White, who also compiled a 133 break with a 5-4 win over Andrew Pagett in European Masters qualifying in July.

“So instead of just an hour and a half on the practice table, he is making me do my four hours. He has had a year off work and has decided to come with me on the tour until the World Championship next April. “We go walking on the Epsom Downs at home, it helps me get up and do that with him.

But it’s mainly to do proper practice. “I played well to go 3-1 up today, then I didn’t really get a shot until 3-3. So to make that big century to win the match, I was absolutely delighted," added the three-time World Seniors champion.