Jimmy White 'an absolute legend' says Jack Lisowski ahead of German Masters battle - 'I'm always a bit star-struck'
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Updated 02/02/2023 at 14:12 GMT
Jimmy White continues to delight snooker fans on tour after all these years. His exciting progression at the 2023 German Masters at the Tempodrom in Berlin takes him to a clash with Jack Lisowski. The snooker icon next takes on the "young gun" on Thursday evening following his victory over Peng Yisong, and Lisowski has paid tribute to the "absolute legend" ahead of their encounter.
‘First 60 something to reach last 16 of a ranking event since 1992!’ – White beats Peng
Jack Lisowski has admitted that he is "always a bit star-struck" around snooker legend Jimmy White as the pair prepare to lock horns at the German Masters on Thursday evening.
White has delighted the snooker world by becoming the first player in their 60s to reach the last 16 of a ranking event since Eddie Charlton in 1992 after his 5-1 victory over Peng Yisong at the tournament on Wednesday.
While Lisowski is both the overwhelming favourite to progress from their encounter and also the one many fans would rather see lose against the underdog snooker icon, he is looking forward to facing someone he has described as a "legend".
"I would say growing up he was always the people’s champion and one of the most popular players, so I’m always a bit star-struck, I guess, when I see him. He’s a legend," Lisowski said.
"I’ve played him a few times as a professional and we’ve had some good games. I think it’s really good for the game that he’s playing, his form is picking up, and having a legend like him on tour is good.
"More people like watching because of him. He contributed to making snooker what it is today. He’s an absolute legend.
"It will be a special occasion but it’s all business at the end of the day. My game is really improving."
On having his game likened at times to White's, he added: "It is an honour to be compared to Jimmy because everyone likes watching him, he plays the game the right way.
"People have told me I remind them of Jimmy White, both left-handed, I guess we play entertaining snooker, so it’s an honour, one of the all-time greats."
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'A sight we have been watching for over four decades' - White entertains at German Masters
Eurosport expert White, meanwhile, could not be more excited about the prospect of taking on the "young gun" as he continues to target reaching the World Championship at the Crucible.
“I’m fighting to stay on the tour. On the one-year list, I’m on, but I need to go deep in either this tournament or the Welsh [Open]," White told World Snooker Tour after the victory at the Tempodrom in Berlin.
“If I can get to Sheffield knowing that I’ve secured my place, it would be a lot of pressure off me. I'm getting stronger each week!
“I’m really looking forward to it [playing Lisowski]. Jack has a lovely style of play, it’s fantastic to watch. This is the perfect arena for me to play a young gun like Jack."
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