Stuart Bingham has had his bottle called into questions this week - but today he proved he's got what it takes to perform under pressure as he captured his first ranking event title.
Ballrun staged a dramatic comeback coming from 8-5 down to beat the world number one Mark Williams, capture the Australian Goldfields Open title and earn his reward for 16 years as a professional.
What a sweet moment!
Bingham is one of the most liked men on the professional circuit.
He has nothing but respect for the game and is not afraid of dedication, shown by his willingness to play in all tournaments, big and small, down the years. That's why so many people are so pleased about his success.
But none more so than Bingham whose face was a picture as he lifted the trophy to cap off an excellent tournament down under.
Tonight, he'll be enjoying plenty of champagne, I'm sure.
But it nearly didn't go his way, of course.
After finishing the first session level at 4-4, he couldn't have started the second anymore nervous. Trailing 8-5, he was staring down the barrel as Williams closed in on a 19th ranking event title. But after fluking a snooker, he was thrown a lifeline and went on to perform heroics.
He played with the same positive attitude we've come to expect from him down the years, and then in the final frame, there were twists and turns but he managed cross the line.
A sublime cross double to the middle pocket proved key but he sealed the title with the simplest of greens, into the same pocket, after Williams suffered a dreadful kick.
He clenched his first - and he was a champion. Just like he's dreamed about for years.
I'm sure it's as sweet as he always thought it would be - and this week he's really deserved it playing some delightful snooker along the way.
Now firmly into the top 16 on the provisional world rankings, it will be interesting to see how much more success he can enjoy this season.
For Williams, this defeat was of stark resemblance to his collapse at last year's UK Championship final, where he squandered a 9-6 lead to also lose in a decider against John Higgins. I
Well said a long deserved triumph 4 a thoughourly nice man . I remember him slaughtering me 3 nil in the 1/4 finals of the one dayer at willies but at end tho he'd never seen me b4 he took time out 2 have a chat and give me some encouragement . Iv never forgotten that Stuart and myself and many many others r chuffed 4 u m8 . Well done :)
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