O’Sullivan’s absence clears way for unlikely lad Bingham

For Bingham – the surprise 50-1 outsider who lifted the world title at the Crucible six months ago – has been thwarted in the UK semi-finals for the last two years.

Each time he lost to the eventual winner, losing 9-8 to Australian Neil Robertson in 2013, then five-time world champion O’Sullivan – 6-5 – 12 months ago.

But with O’Sullivan turning down the chance to return to the Barbican this week – due to personal reasons – it removes one of Bingham’s main contenders for the UK title.

“It was a bit of a surprise, but obviously Ronnie has got his own agenda,” said Bingham, who has reached at least the quarter-finals in four of the last five UK Championships.

“No-one knows what it is, other than him.

“We have got to respect what events he wants to play in, and when he doesn’t. We all get that option.

“For me to play him, it would have been in the semi-finals or final, so you would have to get through a few people to play him.

“I played him at the World Championship, and when you see him in the draw you don’t look any further, because he is one of the toughest draws you can get.

“So I suppose with him out of the draw, it does improve my chances a little bit,” added Bingham, who opens up against Northern Ireland amateur Jordan Brown on Thursday.

World No 2 Bingham has struggled for form this season, losing in the first round at the Australian Goldfields Open, International Championship and Champion of Champions tournament in Coventry earlier this month.

The pressures of being world champion have sat uncomfortably on Bingham’s shoulders, and he admitted to The Yorkshire Post has he has struggled to enjoy his snooker – compared to last season. But he hopes the return to York will see a reversal in his fortunes.

“I have some fond memories of York,” said the Essex potter, who is No 1 seed at the Barbican Theatre.

“Hopefully I can produce some of the form I’ve shown the last couple of years here and have a deep run in the tournament.

“With the current form it’s not looking great, but all it takes is one match, a few shots here and there.

“I am putting the hours in, like I always do, so hopefully I can put in a good performance.

“When I have been losing matches, my confidence has been getting knocked a little bit.

“I feel pretty stupid saying that, as I won the world championship just six months ago.

“But on recent form, I don’t know if I am putting added pressure on myself, or enjoying it as much as I did last year and six months ago.

“I just need to get back to the grind of practicing, and hopefully the results will start coming.”

Bingham triumphed in Sheffield at the age of 38, the result of 20 years grafting his way around the circuit with little silverware to show for his effort.

He attributes that to the sport opening up with dozens of more tournaments, under snooker supremo Barry Hearn, plus the work he has done with coach Stephen Feeney.

With that packed calendar, jetting around the globe is now a constant for today’s modern snooker player.

Now 39, Bingham has no intention of retiring just yet, and hopes to carry on well into his forties.

“How long depends if I keep enjoying it,” he said.

“I love practicing, I am down the club now and will do three or fours today.

“When I lose that love of the game, maybe I will look at something else.

“But, at the moment, I can see myself going on for another six or seven years hopefully.

“One of the most common questions I get is about the amount of travelling we do.

“I think ‘why moan about it?’. You have to travel to play.

“You get in a car to go to a venue or you get on a plane to go to a venue.

“You spend a bit more time away from the family, but it’s your job at the end of the day.

“If you start moaning about it, you are not loving it, and I think the bad results will then come.”

Today, sees five Yorkshire players in action on the opening day.

Sheffield-based Ding Junhui plays fellow Steel City cueman Adam Duffy, while another Sheffield player Joel Walker faces Joe Swail, the two-time world semi-finalist.Leeds potter David Grace plays Andrew Higginson, while Doncaster’s Ian Glover tackles Jamie Jones.

The Betway UK Championship runs from tomorrow to December 6. Tickets start at just £6, for more information call 0844 854 2757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets