Jimmy White, affectionately known as The Whirlwind and who celebrated his 63rd birthday last week, has been granted a new two-year invitational wildcard to continue on the World Snooker Tour. The snooker legend, adored by fans, has seen his illustrious career come full circle from the days when he was runner-up in six World Championship finals. Reflecting on his past, White acknowledges that he wasn't always as committed as he should have been, often losing time to drinking and drugs. However, these days he's hitting the practice table more than ever before. Despite this renewed dedication, White concedes that this could be his last shot at competitive snooker if his performance doesn't pick up. Now the owner of a snooker club in Woking, he jokes about nearing the age for a free OAP bus pass once his tour card expires. White remains optimistic about his physical condition and his ability to compete, "Physically I feel fine. Snooker's not like football or boxing or any of those sorts of sports. As long as your eyes are OK, you can carry on. I still make maximums. I still play to a good standard." He reflects on his earlier career with a hint of regret, "I think snooker's a game that if you've got the desire to practice - which when I was at my best I didn't practice....I enjoy it. I didn't think I'd be playing at this age but it's only since lockdown that I really put in some practice and thought: 'wait a minute, I can still play.'", reports the Express . White also noted how the pandemic had an unexpected silver lining for his game, "Up to lockdown, I was just playing bits and pieces but during lockdown, I found that my game is still there. This last year my schedule was too busy. I was all over the place doing exhibitions. China and what have you and my preparation wasn't the greatest. "So I have to manage it a bit differently for the next two years but if I don't find some form, this will be my last two years. You've got to show the form on the table. "Can I play to 70? There's a limit. I'm going to see out these two years and if I find some consistency, then I'll make a decision but if I don't, I'm going to go and play bad golf." Critics argue that wildcards for snooker legends deprive emerging players of opportunities. Yet, fans continue to flock to watch White in action, with his World Championship qualifier matches drawing significant crowds. White, reflecting on his and Ken Doherty's participation, said: "Me and Ken [Doherty] still play in all the tournaments. If we were just entering the odd tournament here and there and if I didn't think I could win, I wouldn't play. The minute I think I can't win, I won't play. But I don't take any regard of what those people say." Holding a new tour card valid until 2027, which coincides with the current Crucible contract's end, White yearns for one final flourish at his most cherished yet bittersweet venue. The veteran, who last graced the Crucible stage in 2006, remarked: "I don't think it will leave here. I hope not anyway because when it gets down to a one table situation here, there's nothing like it." He acknowledged the difference in perspective between seasoned professionals and newcomers, adding: "I know the young lads who are coming through, they don't care where they play really because they've not experienced it yet. But anyone who's played in the semi-finals here, one table, there's nothing like the Crucible. "I'd like it to stay here for sure. OK it's a bit tight with the two tables but I think that makes it. It's part of the buzz."