At 61 years old, Jimmy White claims he is only now getting started in the game of snooker and plans to settle some “unfinished business.”

Despite being almost forty years older than some of his fellow professionals, the six-time World Championship finalist is still active on the professional circuit, having advanced to the round of 32 at the Scottish Open earlier this month.

The Whirlwind said he was nearing the end of his career after losing in Edinburgh, but when asked whether he is considering retirement, the renowned Londoner made it plain that he is far from hanging up his cue just yet.

You must keep in mind that I spent 20 years high on drugs. It’s a wonder that I was able to reach all those finals and win the titles that I did!

“I still have unresolved issues with the game.” I’m still able to play.

The Whirlwind has a packed schedule over the holidays. He will be appearing in an exhibition in Macau and, on December 29, at Epsom Racecourse, live on Channel 5, he will be facing off against fellow legends Stephen Hendry and Dennis Taylor in his group stage of Mr. Vegas Snooker 900.

In addition to Ken Doherty, Tony Knowles, and Joe Johnson, White will begin the competition against Hendry, a longtime rival who defeated him in four Crucible finals.

When asked if he still finds extra drive to face the Scot, White responded, “Of course!” It’s fantastic whenever I can defeat him.

We are fierce competitors. People love to see matches like the one I had with Steve Davis and later with Stephen Hendry.

However, there has never been any hostility. I was really pleased of Stephen for attending Alex Higgins’ funeral when he was a young man, and he was taken under my wing by myself and Alex Higgins.

I have the highest regard for Stephen. He’s a tremendous champion and a lovely boy who has always had a great attitude about the game. I had no issues at all with Stephen.

When the Scot picked up the game, White was Hendry’s hero, but the Englishman acknowledges the Scot made the right decision by approaching the sport with a more practical mindset.

“I believe he appreciated my ability to execute all the showmanship shots, but he chose the Davis path because he was driven to victory,” White remarked. I understand it, and it’s evident that he made the proper choice.

In the Mr. Vegas Snooker, the luminaries will compete using the 900 rules, which include 15-minute frames with a shot clock and modified rules including ball-in-hand for a foul.

“It seems exciting and fun,” the Whirlwind remarked. It’s pretty fast, which works for me. It’s a bit of a lottery, but I’m excited about it.

Furthermore, you can count on White to take it extremely seriously at this point in his career.

He declared, “Listen, I’m going there to win.” “Don’t make any mistakes.”