SNOOKER legend Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White reckons only the sacred Crucible Theatre in Sheffield – the home of the World Championship – can outrank York’s Barbican Centre as the UK’s top venue.

The six-time world finalist plays the Rocket Ronnie O’Sullivan at the newly revamped Fishergate building on May 19 and is promising the pair will put on a show for the expected packed house.

White said he was delighted at learning the UK Championship would be returning to the Barbican, after a five-year absence, in December and reckons York will once again become a permanent home to the event, which is the second most important tournament in the game.

“The Crucible is special but the Barbican is second only to the Crucible,” he said. “I love the sound and the acoustics of the balls. It is special – a great venue.

“I think it (UK Championship) will be at the Barbican forever.”

White and O’Sullivan will meet at York in the latest stage of the Snooker Legends tour, a special series of exhibitions bringing together past champions on the green baize.

The Rocket, a three-time world champion and four-time UK champion, including the first York final in 2001, has upped the ante ahead of the match – guaranteeing to his Twitter followers that he will score at least three centuries.

White, who reached the UK Championship semi-final at the Barbican in 2003 and whose fond memories of the city include a marathon cards session in Betty’s Tea Room, said he would be striving to “win every frame”.

“I am really excited about playing Ronnie on one of the main venues in the UK,” the Whirlwind added. “You want to play him in any event but to do it in a top venue is brilliant.

“We are both attacking players and it will be a tremendous buzz. I will be trying to win every frame. It’s an absolutely brilliant place and it is a lovely little city. There is always great support for snooker there.”

He added: “At the Legends events, there is always a bit of banter and a bit of seriousness. John Virgo is coming to the Barbican as well and he will be doing a few trick shots and there will be audience participation.

“When that’s finished and the jokes are over we will get down to a really serious match.”

Leading referee Michaela Tabb will be officiating and VIP packages are available which guarantee the holder a prime seat at the event and entrance to the pre-event champagne reception where you can meet the players.

Tickets are on sale from the Barbican box office by phoning 0844 854275 or by booking online at www.yorkbarbican.co.uk