World number 56 Jimmy White has withdrawn from the first event of the Pro Challenge Series which is taking place in Leeds this week…
Jimmy was scheduled to play his first match of the competition on Tuesday evening against 1997 world champion Ken Doherty, but as announced on the World Snooker website, he will now not be taking part.
I have heard suggestions that this is due to a back injury but have had no confirmation as to whether this is accurate. (EDIT: Janie Watkins from Global Snooker has now said that he had another commitment booked and the clash of dates has forced this withdrawal) Either way what it does mean is that Ken is now through to play Jimmy Michie on Wednesday which for me is brilliant as he is a favourite of mine and I will be going along on that day to see him play.
Hopefully for White it is just a precaution and he will be fighting fit for the Shanghai Masters qualifiers which move ever closer. Still no draw though…