Snooker / Ralph Ellis / 21 August 2008 /

Jimmy White's return to ranking tournament snooker sees him available at some breezy prices, says Ralph Ellis.

I've never understood why critics of snooker brand the modern game as being boring and having no personalities. That's because the people who come out with that particular line then start telling you how much better it was in the old days when Steve Davis was winning everything. Oh yes, he had such a big personality, didn't he? After all his nickname was "interesting".

The younger breed of snooker stars might be a tad more intense in their training, and earn enough prize money that they don't need to do the exhibition circuit and learn all the trick shots and how to chat to a crowd. But there are still some "interesting" stories around the likes of Mark Selby and Ding Junhui. And then of course there are still the perennial stars like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Jimmy White.

The whirlwind is blowing back into the big time next week after securing three qualifying wins to take his place in the Northern Ireland trophy, the first ranking tournament of a new season. And whisper it softly you can back him at an incredible [160.00] this morning to announce his comeback in style with a victory.

Amid all the words about Olympics and international football this morning the Daily Express has found room for a few lines about White's return to form. And the 46-year-old is talking an impressive game after almost falling off the tour last year. "I never thought about retiring," he says. "There are always non-believers, but it wasn't my time to bow out."

If White's getting himself back into tournament shape it won't have been on talent alone, he's certain to have put in some hours on the practice tables to recapture his form. And that suggests he might just turn up in Belfast ready to shock a few people. It's got to be worth a punt at that price that he goes through a few rounds and gives you a chance to lay it back, at the very least.

The Express has been the one paper taking an interest in snooker this week. Yesterday their man Hector Nunns produced a superb and emotional interview with O'Sullivan on how he has beaten his demons and will go on playing. You'll remember he talked of retirement after winning his third world title. Now he says he won't quit at least until his Dad is released from prison. "I need to be strong, keep going and keep playing," says Ronnie. "My dad has said to me: 'Every time I see you play it's like a visit to me' - so how can I give up when that's all he has got to look forward to sometimes?"

O'Sullivan is under new management at the Grove Snooker centre in Romford, and has also told some of the tournament's younger breed to stop moaning about how much, or little, sponsorship money they are getting and concentrate on winning some prize money. "Go and win tournaments and get to the top, there's plenty of money up there," he says.

Trouble is Ronnie's at the top, and likely to stay there. He's [4.5] to launch the season with a victory in Belfast, and while White is worth a longshot punt, The Rocket is the more certain place to put your money. A great talent with a new motivation is likely to be a winning combination.

Five things you might not know about Ronnie O'Sullivan

1. The complete 'Essex boy' who grew up and still lives in Chigwell, he was actually born in Wordsley in the West Midlands

2. He scored his first century break at the age of ten, and his first 147 aged 15

3. He hit his ninth competitive 147 break in this year's World Championships - his fastest ever took just five minutes and 20 seconds - a shot every nine seconds.

4. The first time he played a left handed shot in a high profile tournament in 1996 he was accused of disrespect. He answered the disciplinary charge by winning three frames left-handed against Rex Williams

5. He's tried to solve his addiction problems by running, and got addicted to that! He went on holiday to France this year and won a 10k race in 34 minutes

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