The defeat means the 44-year-old Whirlwind will not feature in the televised phase of snooker’s biggest event for the first time since 2001.

White constructed a 130 total clearance in the fifth frame to lead 3-2 but fell 6-3 adrift at the end of the first session.

And he could win only one frame on the resumption as world number 54 Burnett coasted into the final qualifying round.

“There were quite a few close frames but I didn’t perform at all,” White said. That’s what happens sometimes and it’s frustrating.

“I’m just devastated that I couldn’t produce the form I’ve been showing in practice.

“I was 3-2 up and had two good chances in the balls but lost position and Jamie played quite well after that. He punished me but I struggled all day. It’s very disappointing.

“The championship will be hard to watch. I’ve not thought about what I’m going to do when it comes round because I wanted to be there

“But it’s just a game of snooker. I’ve lost before and I’ll be back to try again.”

Burnett, who made four centuries in beating Paul Davison in the previous round, admitted to feeling the pressure in having to take on the people’s favourite.

“I didn’t expect to feel so much pressure with all my experience but at the start of the match I was really nervous,” he said.

“Jimmy struggled and couldn’t seem to get going at all. It was hard for me because I’m a Jimmy White fan but I had a job to do. He was struggling and that was good for me. It’s the World Championship and I want to do well too.

“I wasn’t too happy about playing him. He’s still a great player and has a special relationship with the World Championship.

“Jimmy has one of the best records at Sheffield even though he’s not won it. He’s more than a world champion. He’s different class and there’s a reason everyone loves him.

“He doesn’t need his name on a piece of silverware. People love him to death.”

Burnett must beat Nigel Bond later this month to book a second appearance at the Crucible, having first played there in 1996.