Stuart Bingham has won the Welsh Open championship after a dramatic 9-8 victory over Judd Trump.
Stuart Bingham got off to the dream start by taking the first 4 frames. After the mid session interval the tide began to turn slightly as Trump took 3 of the next 4 frames.
In the evening session Judd Trump got himself back level with Bingham at 7-7. In the next frame, Trump potted a wonderful green followed by the colours to lead 8-7. Bingham leveled up the match and forcing a decider at 8-8 after an extremely tense frame.
In the deciding frame both players had early chances but it was Stuart Bingham who took his chance and won the frame and match.
This snooker match has probably been the most dramatic final seen all season.
Judd Trump said after the match;
“I think Stuart has done exceptionally well.
“I’ve had excellent support this week.”
When asked about his chances at the World Championship this year, Trump said;
“Hopefully it can be my year, I think I’m ready more now than ever. Hopefully it’s my time.
The Welsh Open title is the first win for Stuart Bingham since the 2015 World Championship. Commentating after the match, Bingham said;
“I honestly felt that Judd outclassed me.
“It’s great to win here but I had some luck against Judd in the last frame which got me across the line. I feel great, unbelievable.
Asked about not winning a snooker ranking title since the World Championship in 2015, Bingham went on to say;
“I’ve been knocking on the door since about October. I’ve obviously been playing pretty well. I thought it wasn’t going to happen tonight so it’s unbelievable. Hats off to Judd. He really took the game to me.
“I can’t wait to get hold of the Ray Reardon trophy.”
With the World Championship around the corner in April, a return to form for Bingham has been welcoming for the world no.2.
Stuart Bingham picks up a prize of £70,000 while Judd Trump gets £30,000