Barry Hearn makes Jimmy White promise after controversial win at the Northern Ireland Open

JIMMY WHITE has revealed his spot in snooker’s biggest events is safe thanks to Barry Hearn.

The 62-year-old controversially beat Hossein Vafaei 4-2 last night to book his place in the second round of the Northern Ireland Open.

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Jmmy White made it beyond the first round at the Northern Ireland Open[/caption]

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He has been promised wildcards by Barry Hearn[/caption]

White still holds a tour card but former World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn has promised to help him stay in the game should he fall down the rankings.

He revealed: “I got mine on merit the last couple of years.

“Barry Hearn did say to me, what I’ve done for the game, as long as I keep playing in all of the events then I’ll keep getting the wildcard.

“I enjoy practising, enjoy doing exhibitions, enjoy entertaining.

“I still make 147s and now and again I have a little buzz where I can beat anybody.

“It’s not as consistent as it was, but I think that will come with a few wins. That was a decent win for me today.”

But the victory against Vafaei proved controversial after referee Kevin Dabrowski called a foul against him in the frame that proved to be decisive.

With the Iranian 65-57 up, the official claimed he had not put the white ball correctly inside the D before firing it at a red.

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The referee checked a video replay and stood by his decision despite complaints from Vafaei.

Dabrowski handed White four points and the legend went on to win from there.

Earlier in the thrilling match, Vafaei hit an amazing fluke shot that bounced up off the table, rolled along the rail and eventually dropped into the opposite corner pocket.

White is back in action tomorrow against Martin O’Donnell.