THE 'Whirlwind' is up and running again and eager for his next big match in the Travis Perkins UK Snooker Championship.

Watched by a large following of fans, Jimmy White eased to a 9-5 second round win over Drew Henry at York's Barbican Centre yesterday and will meet either UK defending champion Mark Williams, the world number 1, or Dubliner Fergal O'Brien in a third round match starting at 1pm on Monday and resuming the following afternoon to a finish.

"I can't wait for Williams or O'Brien, whichever of them," said the people's champion. "It's what I play snooker for, the big match and in front of the television cameras."

His victory over Henry was revenge for being knocked out by the Scot at the same stage in York last year. A 132 break in the sixth frame put him level at 3-3 and he won the next three frames and stayed in control to book his place in the next round.

"Henry has the heart of a lion but I played very solid snooker and I stayed focussed," added White. "It is new for me to get over the line and I feel good."

While one Scot made his exit another staged an astonishing comeback. Alan McManus, from Glasgow, hit back from 7-1 down to beat Welshman Dominic Dale 9-7.

A break of 135 in the opening frame set Dale on his way total dominance in the first session, with a 112 break for good measure . But McManus never gave up and with the help of 112 and 106 breaks battled through as Dale's game crumbled. From the tenth to the 15th frames the Glamorgan potter chalked up a total of only 54 points.

After his stunning victory McManus said: "I have been wondering how the hell I am in the next round. I have often wondered what it must feel like to be involved in one of these big turn-around matches and now I know. That's the best comeback I've ever made.

"Dale was fantastic in the first session, playing out of his skin. I think that I just got a little run of the balls in the second session and it went my way."

McManus now plays either Ronnie O'Sullivan or Ian McCulloch next Tuesday at 1pm and 7.30pm.

The other winner yesterday was world number 9 Matthew Stevens, 9-7 against Gerard Greene, who fought back from 7-3 down to to get within a frame at 8-7 and made the Welshman work hard all the way.

There was no play at the Barbican today because television equipment was being installed.

Williams, O'Sullivan, Hendry and John Higgins all play their opening matches tomorrow.

The championship final is on Sunday, November 30, with a total prize fund of £615,000, the winner pocketing £84,500 plus the trophy.

Updated: 11:11 Friday, November 21, 2003