On the snooker table, Jimmy White announced himself as one of the sport’s great players - especially throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. Away from the table though it wasn’t as simple, as White endured a number of challenging battles in his personal life.
From drug addiction to a severe gambling problem, to even defeating cancer, the life of the six-time world championship finalist has undoubtedly had its bumps in the road. Remarkably the snooker star was never able to get his hands on the sport’s most prized possession despite reaching six finals.
However, his near misses in the world championship did the 60-year-old more good than bad, according to White himself.
In 1982, White had burst onto the scene as snooker’s hottest prospect, and felt his first taste of world championship heartbreak after losing to the great John Higgins in the semi-final. This defeat however saved the Englishman’s life, after White claimed if he would have beaten Higgins and gone on to win the title, the booze and cocaine filled celebrations that would have followed would have killed him.
Per the Daily Record, he said: “I would’ve died if I’d beaten Higgins and won the World Championship in 1982 because I’d just found cocaine and I liked to drink.I always liked cocaine – whether drunk or sober. It was no one’s fault but my own.
“I’d just become famous, because we only had four channels in those days and, instead of queuing round the block to get into a west end nightclub, I was getting the treatment. I had such fun, even though I can’t remember much.”
White’s drug-fuelled lifestyle was just beginning. Following heavy use of cocaine, the snooker star then moved onto crack.
White commented: “One day I tried it. It’s the most addictive thing ever. So I became hooked on crack for a few months. It’s like being an alcoholic. The first hit is the best – like your first drink. But you never hold on to that first hit.”
Alongside his drug problems came his gambling issues. There is no doubt the Englishman earned a pretty penny from his success on the pool table, however plenty of it fed his betting addiction. Speaking on the Anything Goes podcast, White admitted he gambled 'at least' £3 million, which drove him into bankruptcy.
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‘Whirlwind’ White revealed to the Guardian back in 2007 that he ‘hit rock bottom’ after a number of cancer issues tore his family apart. In 1995, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, just after learning his brother had been hit by the disease in his lungs. A couple of years later his sibling Martin sadly passed, and just one year later White also lost his mother too.
The 60-year-old was luckier with his battle with cancer, after revealing he ‘caught it early enough’. His successful surgery also allowed him to have his fifth child, which White described as a miracle. He told the Guardian: “I discovered I had testicular cancer after finding a lump.
“It turned out to be two malignant growths and the doctor told me I would have to have the testicle removed. I was so terrified of dying that I didn't even want to tell my wife, Maureen. Luckily I caught it early enough. I even managed to produce a son - my fifth child - which is a miracle, really.”
With the help of his ever-growing family, White has since turned his life around from the pain and suffering he endured throughout his struggles with alcohol, drugs and gambling. White is now dating glamorous darts walk on girl Jade Slusarczyk, and has cut his ties with all of his past drug and drinking habits.
Discussing his happiness, White said per the Daily Record : “I don’t drink. Don’t smoke. If we have a bottle of wine, I want to start dancing in the restaurant. I’ve got five grandkids. And I’ve got Jade. I keep her away from Specsavers.”
