Smith is the practice partner of White and he admits that it’s hard to play someone he knows so well and that he wants to prove he can play at that high level.
"I'm delighted to win but it was hard work," said White. "Michael's my practice partner and a close friend so it's hard playing someone you know so well.
"I thought I could have won the first set, but I kept myself focused and not many players win seven legs in a row against Michael Smith.
"I wanted to get towards the latter stages to give myself a chance and I'm glad I'm still going. It's coming up to the end of the year so every major tournament is big and I want to prove to everyone that I can play up there."