Prodigy, 14, on Competing Against 63-Year-Old Jimmy White: "I Must Stay Cautious—He’s Been Playing Longer Than I’ve Been Alive!"

Table of Contents

1. Match Preview
2. Michal Szubarczyk's Journey
3. Jimmy White's Legacy
4. Personal Ambitions

POLAND’S 14-year-old snooker talent is cautious about the vast experience of stalwart Jimmy White ahead of their first-round qualifying match in the UK Championship tomorrow.

Michal Szubarczyk made history by becoming the youngest player to be nominated for the World Snooker Tour for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons.

In March 2024, Szubarczyk secured both the under-16 and EBSA European Under-18 Snooker Championship titles.Credit: Getty White, a 63-year-old grandfather of nine and the oldest player on Tour, will compete against the youngest professional in Wigan.Credit: Getty

White, a 63-year-old grandfather of nine and the oldest player on Tour, will compete against the youngest professional in Wigan.

Szubarczyk downplayed his nerves before this historic match, expressing that it would be a “great honor” to compete against the veteran.

He told SunSport: “When I joined the Tour and discussed with my dad about whom I’d like to face, he was one of the first names on the list.

“I definitely need to be cautious with him because he has vast experience — he’s been playing professionally for three times longer than I’ve been alive 🙂 I’m really looking forward to this match.”

The teenage professional, who started playing against adults at the age of eight, is undeterred by the fact that he will be up against someone 49 years older than him.

He added: “Honestly, I’m accustomed to it, and it doesn’t really faze me anymore.

“The match against Jimmy will certainly be something special for me — after all, he’s one of the greatest snooker legends.

“I truly admire his style of play. When he was at his peak, there was always something exciting happening on the table.”

In August 2024, Szubarczyk won the IBSF World Under-21 Snooker Championship at the age of 13, becoming the youngest-ever winner of that tournament.

Seven months later, he captured both the under-16 and EBSA European Under-18 Snooker Championship titles.

However, the Polish prodigy, who hails from the South-East city of Lublin, nearly pursued a career in football before his burgeoning snooker career took off.

When asked about his supported football team, Szubarczyk replied: “Since I chose snooker over football, I stopped following it. I only watch matches occasionally.”

Currently ranked 101st in the world, Szubarczyk has ambitious goals.

“To win the World Championship at the Crucible,” he stated. “And to break a few of Ronnie’s records.”