Defending Masters champion Stuart Bingham survives scare by Thepchaiya Un-Nooh

STUART BINGHAM has Stephen Hendry in his sights after kicking off his Masters defence with a nervy 6-4 win over Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.

The world No 12 endured a finish line wobble at 5-1 up but eventually held his nerve to dash the Thai’s hopes in Milton Keynes.

Bingham struck a second 147 break in the space of two months at the Championship League week – also against Un-Nooh – and had a chance for another at 5-1 up against the world No.16.

He failed to convert it but the 2015 world champion still lies fourth on the all-time maximum list – on eight – behind Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Hendry.

Bingham is just three behind seven-time world champion Hendry and the 44-year-old said: “It may have been a bit mad at 5-1 up to go for the max, but the way I’m playing at the moment I feel like I had a good shout.

“It comes in spells. I had one just before Christmas in the UK [Championship] and then literally last week in the Championship League against Thepchaiya.

“I was thinking it was a good omen! I used to make loads when I was practicing against people – it just comes through spells.

“I probably won’t even think about it for the next six months, but when the chance presents itself I don’t shy away from it.

“It would be nice to get to ten, double figures. And then if I get to ten, I’m sure I’ll try and beat Hendry’s record.

“Ronnie’s a bit untouchable, and Higgins is on 11 as well. It’s one of those things – I’ve always been a break builder and I don’t shy away from it when it presents itself.”

O’Sullivan has struck 15 maximum breaks and holds the record for the fastest ever one – with all 36 balls potted in just five minutes and eight seconds.

Bingham notched the seventh of his career against Zak Surety in the UK Championship before doubling up in rapid time against Un-Nooh last week.

He was unable to make a ninth of his career against Un-Nooh but four half-centuries and a 114 booked his place in the quarter-finals against Mark Williams or Shaun Murphy who were level at 4-4 last night in the first to six contest, with the Welshman hitting two centuries and a 54 during the contest.

Watch the London Masters live on Eurosport and Eurosport app from Jan 10

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