Snooker star Jimmy White becomes Hong Kong resident through talent scheme
White joins compatriots Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump in obtaining residency, says he wants to establish snooker academy in city
Snooker star Jimmy White, known as “The Whirlwind”, has become a Hong Kong resident through an official talent scheme, and has revealed plans to establish a snooker academy in the city to nurture local talent.
The Immigration Department announced on Wednesday that the English player recently obtained his identity card and took up residency through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, joining fellow stars Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Appearing in a video posted on the department’s Instagram page, White also recalled his appearance alongside comedy star Stephen Chow Sing-chi in a 1991 Hong Kong film, and expressed hope of catching up with his “old friend”.
White’s compatriots – high-profile English snooker star, seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and the current world number one Judd Trump – also became Hong Kong residents in 2024 through the same talent scheme.
Speaking about his future plans in the city, White said he would want to promote snooker at his best.
“My plan in Hong Kong is to maybe open a snooker academy and find the snooker talent of Hong Kong, promote snooker as much as I can,” he said in the video.
White also shared an anecdote about his connection to the city tracing back to the early 1990s.