Snooker legend Jimmy White has claimed he has been handed one of the ‘worst draws’ possible at the Snooker shootout as he prepares to take on Reanne Evans.

The 56-year-old is worried he may be knocked out during the first round at the Watford Colosseum on Thursday afternoon.

The most controversial ranking event gets underway this week, with many players still divided over the format. Shot clocks and other variations of the traditional rules are used and White admits that Evans has a real chance of beating him.

She comes into the event as the 11-time women’s world champion and White expects a tough afternoon of action.

He told the Daily Star: “It’s probably one of the worst draws you can get because the lads will be out to wind me up if she beats me but I’m a big fan of hers. I’m a big friend of hers, as well.

“I know it’s going to be very tough. It’s only 10 minutes. It literally is anyone can win here. She was at the World Championship a few years ago and she lost 8-10 to former World Champion Ken Doherty. She can certainly play.

“It’s just a case of being on top form on her day. She can beat a lot of men’s players, she’s very good.”

Evans and White do not meet until the final match of the evening, with Evans the 2.30 outsider and White the 1.60 favourite.

White comes into the event in poor form after losing his last two matches to Gary Wilson and Michael Georgiou.