Jimmy White faces a very tough test against Mark Selby on Saturday after qualifying for the International Championship at 64 years old.

The Whirlwind is still competing on the World Snooker Tour well into his seventh decade and is still capable of winning games.

He did just that in Leicester last month as he beat Matthew Stevens 6-5 to book his spot at the main stage of the big-money event in Nanjing, China.

It is the first time the 10-time ranking event winner has reached a venue stage this season, with his other victories this campaign coming in qualifiers in Leicester.

His old rival Stephen Hendry expects the veteran to be relishing a return to playing in front of a crowd against a star name, but cannot see the Whirlwind picking up a fairytale win over the world number four.

‘You can’t really fancy Jimmy to beat Mark, but who knows?’ Hendry said on WST’s Snooker Club podcast.

‘I’m sure Jimmy can’t wait to get out there and play in a big match, he’s been a big-time player his whole career, loves an occasion. I’m sure Jimmy will be relishing getting out in the main arena and play one of the top players.

‘I don’t see him beating Mark, especially over a best-of-11, best-of-seven you might have given Jimmy more of a chance, but best-of-11 not really. But you never know, Mark Selby has put a couple of sub-par performances in this season, but Jimmy’s got to play unbelievable snooker to win.’

Kyren Wilson is in the draw in Nanjing after winning the Northern Ireland Open on Sunday and moving past White in terms of ranking titles, taking his own tally to 11.

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The Warrior praised the Whirlwind as a ‘hero’ of his and is blown away by the man who turned professional in 1980 still having the drive to compete at the top level.

‘He’s just incredible and he still truly believes that he can do it and can win, which is great,’ said Wilson. ‘Nobody should ever tell you any different. If you believe that, crack on and try your best, which I think is inspiring, especially at his age.

‘When you’ve done it for so long it’s hard to give it up. I see this game as almost like a bit of a drug. It’s quite addictive when you step away from it it’s hard to just let it go completely.

‘An incredible achievement [to qualify]. I look forward to seeing him out there.’

White was given a two-year invitational tour card in 2025, meaning he is on the second and last season of that ticket to the professional circuit.

Ken Doherty had been playing on an invitational tour card for some years, but was not offered a new one for the current season and subsequently retired.

White will hope to do enough to hold onto his place on tour through the rankings, but if he doesn’t then it remains to be seen whether he will be afforded another invitational card after Doherty was not.