"Whirlwind" Jimmy White Joins World-Class Snooker Stars as Hong Kong Resident
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Snooker legend Jimmy White, nicknamed "The Whirlwind," has obtained Hong Kong residency through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the Immigration Department confirmed. White, 62, who earned six World Championship runner-up finishes and 10 ranking titles during his storied career, revealed plans to establish a snooker academy to develop local talent and promote the sport in the city. His arrival follows a similar move by fellow snooker great Ronnie O'Sullivan, with Immigration Director Benson Kwok Joon-fung facilitating both transitions. Over 10 world-class snooker players and several top-ranked tennis players are now taking up residence in Hong Kong, according to sources.
Key Points
- Jimmy White, born in London in 1962, completed his Hong Kong identity card formalities at the Immigration Department and was captured on video during the process .
- The six-time World Championship finalist earned his "Whirlwind" moniker for his fast and powerful attacking style, winning the English Amateur Championship as its youngest-ever winner before turning professional at 18 .
- White appeared alongside Stephen Chow Sing-chi in the 1991 Hong Kong film "Legend of the Dragon," and plans to reconnect with an "old friend" during his stay in the city .
- He participated in last year's World Grand Prix at Kai Tak Sports Park, facing local star Marco Fu Ka-chun, and was dubbed a "super idol" by actor Julian Cheung Chi-lam during a 2018 exhibition match .
- Immigration Director Benson Kwok Joon-fung reportedly facilitated White's migration, following a similar pathway for Ronnie O'Sullivan, "The Rocket" .
Why It Matters
White's arrival signals Hong Kong's growing appeal as a destination for elite sports professionals, complementing existing initiatives to position the city as a regional sporting hub. The establishment of his proposed academy could provide structured development pathways for Hong Kong's aspiring snooker players, building on the city's passionate fan base for the sport .
White's arrival signals Hong Kong's growing appeal as a destination for elite sports professionals, complementing existing initiatives to position the city as a regional sporting hub. The establishment of his proposed academy could provide structured development pathways for Hong Kong's aspiring snooker players, building on the city's passionate fan base for the sport .