Jimmy White and Ken Doherty crash out of World Seniors Championship

Jimmy White crashed out in round one of the 2025 World Seniors Championship following a 4-1 defeat by Alfie Burden at The Crucible.

The Whirlwind was aiming to continue his impressive record in the tournament, which he has won on four occasions.

However, he was no match for good friend Burden on Thursday, in what was a repeat of the 2023 final – won 5-3 by White.

Determined to avenge that defeat on his Crucible return, Burden opened with runs of 48 and 34 before also controlling the second frame for a 2-0 lead.

White responded with 82 to halve deficit, but missed a black to level the contest and his opponent subsequently forced a re-spotted black.

Burden then crucially knocked in a stunning long black with the cue-ball tight to the baulk cushion – and against the shot clock – to move to the brink of an impressive victory, which he secured in the next frame with a nice break of 92.

“It’s an honour to play Jimmy at The Crucible,” said the 48-year-old, who was the last player to qualify for the event via the Golden Ticket Play-Off in April. “He’s a dear friend of mine and I don’t enjoy beating him, but I tried hard to win today.

“I’m here to win it this year. Anything other than that and I’ll be disappointed.”

“I wasn’t in the game,” White added. “I just struggled all day, which is disappointing because I’m playing well. But that’s snooker, I’m afraid.”

Ken Doherty also fell at the first hurdle, as the Darlin’ of Dublin was beaten 4-2 by inspired debutant Charl Jonck.

The two-time World Seniors finalist was hoping this would be the year he became the first player to win the World Championship at under-21, amateur, professional and senior levels.

Doherty made a positive start, controlling the first two frames for 2-0 lead, though he would only score a further 24 points thereon.

Indeed, African Seniors champion Jonck halved the deficit, while breaks of 64 and 63 turned the contest around, before he dominated the final frame to get over the line.

“The nerves and butterflies were in my stomach for the first frame or two,” the South African said. “I was shaking a little bit, but I settled down.

“He gave me a couple of chances in the third frame and I managed to take advantage. It’s amazing to be moving on.”

Hassan Kerde also impressed on his Crucible bow; the reigning Asia-Pacific Seniors champion whitewashing Tony Knowles 4-0.

The Australian was quick out of the blocks with contributions of 53 and 62 securing the opening frame, while further runs of 66 and 59 saw him breeze past the former world number two.

Meanwhile, Tony Drago edged out Gerard Greene in the deciding frame of an entertaining showdown.

A semi-finalist in each of the last two years, Drago opened with a swift 79, but former ranking finalist Greene levelled on the black and won two of the next three frames to lead 3-2.

However, the Tornado controlled the sixth to force a decider, in which a break of 68 booked his quarter-final place.

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World Seniors Snooker Championship 2025 Results

Thursday May 8

Round One

Jimmy White 1-4 Alfie Burden
Ken Doherty 2-4 Charl Jonck
Tony Drago 4-3 Gerard Greene
Tony Knowles 0-4 Hassan Kerde