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| Picture by Monique Limbos |
The Premier League is an event carrying great prestige. This is why Bingham has always had a burning desire to compete in it. His maiden ranking event win at the Australian Open earned him his place and now he's Premier League champion in his debut campaign.
His performances in the final four matches during the run-in to lifting silverware means no-one can argue against his success. He earned a place in the play-offs courtesy of back-to-back 6-0 wins against Mark Selby and Neil Robertson in Guildford, forced his way to the final edging out John Higgins 5-4 and then finally landed top prize with a demolition job on Trump.
Bingham leaped for joy and so he should as he proves his name belongs alongside the very best in the sport right now.
It's quite fitting that Bingham's win came in Grimsby, a Lincolnshire town that loves its snooker as much as him.
Even when Stuart wasn't dining at snooker's top table, his attitude to playing the game was as exemplary as it is today.
There was a discussion on Twitter last night about which of his big titles ranks most highly. The Premier League is a fine competition and has been for many years, but I'll always back a ranking event against it.
You might disagree, but the debate is void anyway. Bingham has experienced both great highs and doesn't have to choose between them. He has been dreaming of winning big titles all his career and now he's living his best years.
He has always loved playing snooker, but probably never more than right now.
Good blog, Gary. Adds to my delight at Stuart Bingham's victory. He's had a very good first season in the Premier League and - less 'sung' than others - got the better of them all.
ReplyDeleteAnyone said something about having or not having bottle?!... No?... Thought so.