White has tumbled down the rankings in recent years

White, a six-time runner-up at the Crucible, lost 10-4 in the penultimate qualifying round in Prestatyn.

"There were quite a few close frames but I didn't perform at all," said 44-year-old White, who had led 3-2.

"It will be hard to watch but it's just a game of snooker. I've lost before and I'll be back to try again."

White trailed 6-3 after the first session and only managed to win one more frame in the second as Burnett moved through.

It was hard for me because I'm a Jimmy White fan but I had a job to do Jamie Burnett

"I'm just devastated that I couldn't produce the form I've been showing in practice," said White.

"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."

Burnett, who now faces former finalist Nigel Bond for a place in Sheffield, said: "It was hard for me because I'm a Jimmy White fan but I had a job to do."

It will be only the second time in 26 years that White has missed snooker's showpiece event, having also missed out in 2001.

White dropped out of the world top 32 after his first-round defeat at the Crucible in 2006.

He has lost in the preliminary round in five of the season's six ranking events.

John Parrott, who beat White 18-11 in the 1991 world final, reached the final qualifying round with a 10-7 defeat of fellow Englishman James Leadbetter.

The 42-year-old must now beat David Gray on 12 March to secure his 23rd appearance at the Crucible.