78
thekn w.guide
Sport
Please send sports stories to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
Whirlwind White urges greater investment from World Snooker told the Times while holidaying in the Cayman Islands. And he is looking forward to taking on Dylan again after playing him at an event in Tenterden earlier this year. “Dylan’s a very good little player,” said Jimmy. “His enthusiasm was great and his cue action was fine. My advice would be to keep up that level of enthusiasm and just keep playing.” Although he has won almost £5million on the pro circuit, Jimmy is celebrated as possibly the greatest amateur to play the game, so he is full of encouragement for places like the Victoria Centre.
SNOOKER: JIMMY WHITE is returning to the Victoria Snooker Centre in Tunbridge Wells for an exhibition evening on Friday May 25. The legend known as the ‘Whirlwind’ will take on local players – and is set to resume his rivalry with Paddock Wood prodigy Dylan Smith. He first appeared at the venue on Camden Road seven years ago, when he entertained a sell-out audience with his exciting potting style. Graham Martin, the Victoria Centre’s owner, said: “It’s with great pleasure that we welcome back the people’s champion. “Jimmy has been a popular choice to return to our club,” added Graham. “Over the years he has also become a friend of ours, always obliging with
requests that we have required.” The 56-year-old Londoner, who was awarded the MBE for his services to the sport, will be accompanied by leading referee Michaela Tabb, and walk-on girl Jade Slusarczyk. Graham explained: “The evening will consist of 10 frames against local players including Tunbridge Wells Snooker Open runner-up Matt Simpson and local 10-year-old starlet Dylan Smith. “We will also we will have a charity auction frame. So get your tickets now, this one is not to be missed.” Even though Jimmy has been playing on the professional circuit since 1981, he enjoys the opportunity to mingle with the public up close at events such as this. “It’s an absolute pleasure to play the exhibitions, a complete joy, and it’s a chance to get to meet the people,” he
‘It’s an absolute pleasure to play the exhibitions, a complete joy’ “When I was amateur, I won everything going,” he said. “In those days it was different, there were a lot of competitions every weekend. “I was talking to [world No 1] Mark Selby about it and he said he used to play every weekend. Young people like Dylan have got to play in as many tournaments as they can.” But he fears for the future of the sport because of a lack of facilities like the Tunbridge Wells club in the UK, so that the best young talents are currently coming out of the Far East. “The problem at the moment is there are no young players coming through, they are mainly from China. There’s nothing at grass roots level here.
Bronzes at the double for Rebecca and Tonbridge Grammar in nationals GYMNASTICS: TONBRIDGE Grammar School were turning cartwheels after picking up two bronze medals at the Gymnastics Acrobatic and Tumbling National Championship finals at Fenton Manor in Stoke. First on the floor to represent the school was Rebecca Ng in the Over14 tumbling competition. She executed three different sequences, showing all of her strength and power. In a very strong category, she was awarded a highly commendable bronze, placing her third in the UK out of 24 finalists.
Artistry The school’s six-strong Under-14 Group Acrobatics team then gave an excellent demonstration of timing, skill and artistry. The team consisted of Charlotte Ng, Fleur Jenkins, Madeleine Arnell, Millie Lipman, Florence Wells and Emily Murray. The margin for error was small as every detail of the sequences was scrutinised. After an outstanding performance, the group was also placed third. The Under-19 Acrobatics Pair of Eleanor Barrett and Izzy Kerslake also delivered a flawless routine
FINE BALANCE The Under-14 Group Acrobatics team show their skills
full of synchronicity with energy and finesse. The standard was extremely high, which showed in the results as they achieved the fifth highest score – just 0.1pts off third place. The final performance was by Charlotte Ng in the Under-14 Tumbling. Demonstrating her versatility, she showed the judges her repertoire including an impressive round-off double flick back somersault. She was competing against girls who were two years her senior, and gained valuable competition experience as her focus and determination saw her placed seventh and ranked 12th nationally. Julia Duncan, the school’s head of Physical Education, said: “This is another impressive set of results for our gymnasts, who all work exceptionally hard to achieve the high standards of performance they reach. “All in all, the girls were a credit to the school. Huge thanks must go firstly to our dedicated and committed coach Mrs Tania Cattoor and also to the valued and continued support of parents.”
two weeks ago at The Crucible at the age of 43. Jimmy was commentating on Eurosport - and full of admiration. “I watched every pot, it was a brilliant match. It’s great for Mark, he’s had a fantastic year, and John Higgins can hold his head high.” Jimmy has infamously never won the game’s greatest crown despite appearing in six finals, but when asked if he had any regrets about that he growled: “I’m still playing, you know.” The Whirlwind was always something of an enfant terrible in the snooker sphere, and was impressed that Williams kept his promise to conduct his press conference naked if he won. “He didn’t think he was going to win, but he’s a man of his word,” he chuckled. Had Jimmy ever done anything like that in his wild years? “I’ve done that a couple of times,” he said mischievously. Tickets cost from £25. To book, call 01892 525833 or 07748 104314 PASS ON A FEW TIPS Jimmy White with local prodigy Dylan Smith and Sky’s Jade Slusarczyk
PHOTO: Lucy Shaw
EYES ON THE PRIZE Jimmy White still loves the sport at 56
By Andy Tong
“World Snooker [the sport’s governing body] has got to put back more practice facilities for them, they are not all like Dylan who can play at the club.” However, the top of the game is in rude health. “Snooker has never been so popular and for the new professionals, the prize money has never been so good. “Now they’ve started the seniors’ tour there have been lots of players coming out of retirement. Snooker’s in the best shape it’s ever been in.” Although Jimmy has slipped down the rankings in recent years – he is now 93rd in the world – he retains his enthusiasm for the game and says he can carry on playing for years to come. “As long as the eyesight is okay and you still have the enthusiasm to practise, there’s no reason you can’t carry on winning,” he said. “It’s not like footballers and boxers, who slow down as they get older.” Mark Williams was lauded for winning the World Championship
Wednesday May 16 | 2018
Rain disrupts Kent League CRICKET: THE weekend’s cricket programme was wrecked by the wet weather, with Tunbridge Wells stumbled to 95 for 6 in their Kent League Premier Division match against Bexley at Manor Way before the contest was abandoned. After being reduced to 10 for 2, they recovered thanks to a 50-run partnership between Alex Williams (36) and Christian Davis (37). But both fell to Alex Hill, who picked up 3 for 25 before rain intervened for the final time. In Division Four Cowdrey’s new recruit Ashley Borella scored his
maiden league century for the Tonbridge side before their match at home to Catford was called off. Having been put in to bat at Swanmead, the home side reached 178 for 8 in 34 overs with Borella making 109 including 16 fours and a six. Dinujan Nesanathan was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 25. Also in Division Four, Tonbridge were bowled out for 143 in 34.1 overs by visiting Rainham, Ben Peters top-scoring with 41 at No 8 and George Mottram taking 3 for 38. In reply Rainham reached 43 for 1 before the heavens opened.
It’s a breeze: Try your hand at sailing SAILING: TONBRIDGE Town Sailing Club is offering a free trial to anyone interested in trying dinghy sailing at Haysden Country Park on Sunday [May 20]. The open day is part of the Royal Yacht Association’s [RYA] Push the Boat Out campaign nationwide and runs from 2-5pm. The event is free, with refreshments available. Kent Fire & Rescue Service will be in attendance unless they are required for an emergency. Tonbridge Town is a small, family-friendly club and an RYA Training Centre. Booking is not required, but enquiries are welcomed through their website. “We’re inviting the local
community to come down to have a go at sailing, see what our club has to offer and get involved. Who knows, you might just get hooked,” said Keith Minster, the club’s Commodore. “Sailing can be as physical or as relaxing as you want to make it: sail with others or on your own, do it competitively or potter about and just enjoy the gentle escape of being outside in the elements.” Club members will be on hand to advise on training courses, racing and social activities For more information visit www. tonbridgesailing.org or follow the club on facebook/tonbridgesailing. Details of Push the Boat Out can be found at www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo