Jimmy White admits the Snooker Shoot Out is something totally unique and the veteran is determined to enjoy the occasion.

The Whirlwind came through his first-round match on Thursday evening in Watford, seeing off 11-time World Women’s champion Reanne Evans.

Evans, who was given a wildcard entry to the rapid-fire, one-frame knockout tournament, became the first female player to compete in the televised stages of a ranking event in the UK.

It was short-lived, however, as White got the win despite Evans having her chances to advance. Trailing 27-19, Evans miscued when attempting to pot the black, with White going on to make a break of 21 to seal a 54-26 victory and a place in the last-64 on Friday.

All matches in the Shoot Out are one frame, with just 10 minutes to complete and a shot-clock in operation throughout.

White says he wouldn’t have taken defeat to Evans badly but is clearly relishing playing in the frenzied atmosphere of the Watford Colosseum in what is a very surreal atmosphere for a professional snooker player.

“If Reanne had beaten me I wouldn’t have been that disappointed because she’s a good friend of mine and I know what a good player she is,” said 56-year-old White.

“We both had chances and it was lucky for me that she miscued at a vital time. I’ve played her many times in exhibitions and she’s a lot better than that.

“The Shoot Out is fun, the atmosphere is like darts. The dart players are used to it while we have to try to blank it out and just pot balls.”

White is 101.00 to win the Shoot Out on Sunday.