White confident

The Whirlwind won the inaugural event last year by beating Steve Davis 4-1 in the final, and he'll be trying to repeat that success at the East of England Showground on November 5 and 6.

"My form comes and goes, which is what happens when you're an old campaigner," said the 49-year-old, who has won ten ranking events. "You just have to keep punching, and every now and then it all comes together, and when that happens I can beat anyone.

"It was fantastic to win the first World Seniors title last year, I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to try to defend it in Peterborough in a few weeks time. After I get back from the PTC event in Ireland next week I'll be concentrating on getting my game ready. It's going to be tough this year because there are a lot of very good players in it."

White has been drawn against former world number two Tony Knowles in the first round. "Tony and I have had some great battles over the years," added White. "I played some exhibitions with him in Thailand recently, he's still got it and he still wants to win. I'll need to give it 100 per cent."

Alongside White, Davis and Knowles, legends of snooker such as Dennis Taylor, John Parrott, Cliff Thorburn, Joe Johnson and Doug Mountjoy will be competing for the £18,000 top prize.