Jimmy White hopes he can go all the way to the title at the Wyldecrest Park Homes World Seniors Championship in Bradford this weekend – but believes it will be a highly competitive tournament.

The three-day event at the Cedar Court Hotel, which begins tonight and finishes on Sunday, promises to be a fantastic celebration of snooker, with legends of the 1980s in action as well as stars aged over 40 still competing on the professional circuit.

Seven former world champions are in the line-up – Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Joe Johnson, Cliff Thorburn, John Parrott, Ken Doherty and Peter Ebdon – plus crowd favourite White and qualifier Nigel Bond.

White lost six times in the world final at the Crucible but hopes he can lift the trophy this time.

White will play Thorburn in tomorrow's quarter-finals following this afternoon's random draw by the Lord Mayor of Bradford and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Councillor Peter Hill and Mrs Gillian Hill.

“It’s going to be a great tournament and I’m really looking forward to it,” said the 48-year-old. “It doesn’t matter who I draw in the first match because there are no easy games.

“Joe Johnson has been practising non-stop for this – every time I ring him he’s on the table.

“I’m sure all of the others who aren’t on the pro tour any more have also been putting the hours in.

“The opening games are only best of three so anyone can get through.

“I’ve been practising a lot myself, I feel ready for it and I would love to win it.”

White, a former Masters and UK Champion, hopes that this new event will become a permanent fixture on the snooker calendar.

“I know the players and fans will be really well looked after at the venue,” he said.

“It would be brilliant to see it grow and become a regular tournament.”

Sky Sports will show highlights of the event over the Christmas period.