PLUNGING 15ft through the Perspex roof of a conservatory window is not the ideal preparation for the biggest frame of your snooker career.

But Lancashire Evening Telegraph champion Dale Clark picked himself up, dusted himself down and - after eight X-rays - took on Jimmy White at Blackburn's King George's Hall last night.

The special challenge frame was a curtain raiser for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Regal Snooker Classic between White and John Virgo. More than 700 spectators enjoyed a tense game between 'The People's Champion' and Big Break star Virgo, who also performed a closing cabaret of trick shots and impressions.

Clark, of Whalley Road, Accrington, had been unable to practise after his Friday fall until Monday night.

And although he found his form during final preparations on Tuesday, which included a 127 break, the 28-year-old roofer's pride took a battering as White romped to a 110-6 victory.

Nursing cut hands, sore wrists and a bruised face, Clark was never allowed to impose himself on the frame.

And when Clark over-stretched to miss a black from its spot, White launched into his rapid-fire potting routine.

Clark was handed another chance when White went in-off after a break of 38 but, in an attempt to claw his way back into the frame, rattled the pocket jaws when presented with a long red.

White needed no second invitation. Clark said: "I was not really nervous although I have never played any top professional before.

"I have played in pro-ams but never in a set-up like this.

"After I missed the black off the spot I thought I might as well attack.

"My hands were a bit sore and I had about eight X-rays last Friday.

"As soon as I fell through the roof I thought 'Oh no! I'm going to miss the chance'.

"But with a few painkillers and bathing salts I was able to play."

Clark, who plays at the private Oaklea club, received a £100 cheque and the Lancashire Evening Telegraph trophy.

White continued his spectacular form against Virgo, running out a 5-2 winner in the seven frame exhibition.

And another top local player Joan Cummings, the world's number one female wheelchair player from Chorley, also shared the limelight when she successfully executed one of Virgo's trick shots.

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