Snooker has returned to the Barbican in York for the UK Championship with the first Triple Crown event of the year being contested.

The fans were treated to getting to watch Jimmy White in action once again, after a marvellous qualifying run for The Whirlwind saw him make the first round proper again.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to keep his streak going, losing 6-2 to Ryan Day, making just one break over 50, with his opponent making two centuries as blew The Whirlwind away, despite the disappointing performance, the reception he got was exceptional.

Jimmy White qualifies for the UK Championship

White showed signs of his former self in the four qualifying rounds for the tournament, winning 24-5 on aggregate across the four games, that’s not even enough to lose one match!

He kicked off the campaign with back-to-back whitewash wins before locking horns with juggernaut Stephen Maguire, downing the Scot six frames to four, booking his place at the Barbican with a comprehensive 6-1 win over Dominic Dale.

It’s a shame we won’t see him any further in the tournament, with White reminding us all just how good he is despite entering his 60s.

Jimmy-White-Taking-A-Shot

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: Jimmy White of England lines up a shot during his game against Mark King of England in the PokerStars.com Masters Snooker tournament at Wembley Arena on January 10, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by John Gichigi/Getty Images)

Jimmy White receives incredible reception at UK Championship

As he was entering the arena, famous announcer Rob Walker gave The Whirlwind a spectacular entrance, saying: “Please welcome an iconic figure of British sport, it’s 29 years since a player of his age reached this stage of any ranking event.

“And exactly three decades since he lifted the title in Preston, arguably the most popular player our sport has ever known, 42 years a pro, he still has the passion, he still has the belief, he still has the talent, The Whirlwind, Jimmy White!”

The former world number two made his way down the steps and through the crowd, with Think Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back in Town aptly playing, although the noise from the crowd managed to drown it out.

Video: Jimmy White makes incredible entrance in York after Rob Walker’s introduction

Walking down the steps and across the front row of the crowd, you can see how much that moment meant for White and it showed just how popular he still is, with almost everyone wanting to shake his hand on his way to the table.

Probably the greatest ever player to not win the World Championship, Jimmy White still is the champion of the people.

Video: Jimmy White’s entrance from the crowd

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