8.4.09

THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 4

4) STEPHEN HENDRY 18, JIMMY WHITE 14 (Final, 1992)

It’s hard to explain to younger readers or those who have only just discovered snooker the huge wave of goodwill there was towards Jimmy White as he sought the game’s ultimate prize.

It wasn’t through dislike of any of his opponents or any other factor than the public’s genuine love for Jimmy, who had put them through so many trials and tribulations over the years.

By 1992 he was appearing in his fourth world final and third in succession. He’d had a good season but was up against the all conquering king in Stephen Hendry.

Their final began closely but White built a 10-6 overnight lead and at 12-6 looked like he would canter to victory. At 14-8 he still looked a certainty but Hendry won the next and, crucially, the last of the afternoon session, potting a brown that remains one of the best shots of his, or anyone else’s, career.

In the couple of hours before play resumed, White had to countenance thoughts that his likely victory may yet turn into another disappointing defeat.

He lost the first frame on the black and Hendry flew from that point, finishing the match with back to back centuries, two of three he made in the final session.

White was, as ever, gracious in defeat. He had lost to a Hendry who was, at the time, a force of nature.

White’s fans consoled themselves with the thought that there was always next year, but they and the Whirlwind himself were well aware that Hendry would be there as well. As he would the year after that and the year after that and...

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don't worry - there's always next year....
What a heartbreaking match to watch, and I say that as a fan of both players.

Anonymous said...

Stephen Hendry you are very special.

jamie brannon said...

Jimmy White is interviewed on Inside Sport this Monday. John Parrott will be in studio. I am unhappywith terrestrial bbc coverage on the opening day it doesnt start till 4.30 pm when Ronnie will have been on and Hendry v Williams well into their session.

hegeland said...

The whole match is on youtube... here's that brown btw: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1SNCNtFBf8&feature=related

Anonymous said...

Hendry is a legend. a true one. not some flash i can play quick rubbish....

Anonymous said...

wise words mate

Anonymous said...

White should have won the 23rd frame to lead 15-8 but not potting the easy reds near the pink and strangely going up the table for a difficult red instead.