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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Fraser Watson

Jimmy White in X-rated rant not realising he was on air at World Snooker Championship

Jimmy White clearly didn't realise he was live on air when he began a foul-mouthed rant during the World Snooker Championship semi-final.

'The Whirlwind' has been working as a pundit and commentator for Eurosport, and has been on duty for the semi-final match between Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins. And just after the match turned 5-5, he clearly didn't realise the television audience could hear him.

"I can't work under these f***ing conditions," he ranted. It was unclear what conditions he was referring too, but the comment was heard loud and clear on the coverage.

It didn't take long for social media to pick up on it either, with the @OOCSnooker account posting a clip of the footage, along with the line: "Jimmy you’re still on air." The line was accompanied with a laughing emoji, and snooker fans embraced the humorous moment.

@Jones94Kyle wrote "would love to know what he meant!" while @a_walls asked: "You are joking !!! Is this a wind up or did he actually say that!!!!" She followed up that post with: "Any other channel you’d be reprimanded or worse - how much more can they get away with?"

Indeed, many followers took aim at the channel, with @MAMentoring saying: "This has happened so many times on Eurosport, you'd think someone would learn at some point." @Nuge147 pointed out "Gold moments though!"

White is considered one of the best players to have never won the Championship (Getty Images)

White, 59, is one of the most popular figures in snooker having wowed spectators with his style of play. He won 10 ranking events, including the Masters and UK Championships.

However, despite making six World Championship finals, he never once prevailed at The Crucible. As a result, he is widely considered as the greatest player never to have claimed the sport's most prestigious title.

The left-hander is a three-time world senior champion though, and has continued to compete alongside television and punditry work. His mishap on Friday though, may yet see that role come under threat.

It has already been confirmed this week that John Virgo and Dennis Taylor, both pundits with the BBC, will be axed from their positions in 2023. That decision has been met with disdain by fans.

Higgins and O'Sullivan, both 46 with 10 world titles between them, would on to finish the session at 6-6. Whoever wins the best-of-33 match will face either Judd Trump or Mark Williams in the final.

Should O'Sullivan prevail, he'll draw level with Stephen Hendry's record of seven championship wins. 'The Rocket' has already surpassed the Scot for the most match victories at The Crucible.

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