Ballrun Bingham Flattens O'Sullivan - UK Championship

Stuart Bingham has achieved one of the great victories of his career, defeating World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-4 to reach the semi-finals of the Williamhill.com UK Championship in York for the first time.

Check out photos from the Williamhill UK Championship here, courtesy of Monique Limbos. Full draw/results from the tournament can be found here.

Basildon cueman Stuart Bingham got revenge for the 10-8 defeat by Ronnie O'Sullivan at the recent Champion of Champions event, and held his nerve to come through today's match against the Rocket, this time as the victor.

Former Australian Open champ Bingham got off to the better start of the two, making a fantastic 131 break in the second frame on route to a 3-1 lead at the interval.

O'Sullivan then quickly found himself 4-1 down after they resumed, before producing two pieces of magic, including what many considered to be the break of the tournament, a magnificent 135 total clearance to go 4-3 then a further run of 127 to later make it 5-4.

Stuart Bingham in action against Ronnie O'Sullivan.

It was the World Champion who got in first but only could make 28 before Bingham hit back with breaks of 41 and 21 to see himself over the line and come through a delighted 6-4 winner.

"I was trying to stay positive and take my shots when they came to me," said Bingham. "I'm feeling confident at the moment even with losing that final to Ronnie last week and I believe I can go all the way now."

Bingham who is through to his first ever UK Championship semi-final, will face world no.1 Neil Robertson tomorrow, who himself came through his match against Stephen Maguire, a comfortable 6-2 winner.

"You've got to win against everyone in front of you, regardless of who they are," said Bingham about his match against the Australian. "I've played decent against Neil in recent seasons and my confidence will be high, plus my record in semi-finals is good so I have high hopes."

UPDATED:

The other semi-final match that will be played on Saturday will be contested by defending champ Mark Selby and Ricky Walden. The Jester came from 5-3 behind to win a tight decider and claim a 6-5 victory over Barry Hawkins, finishing close to midnight.

2011 UK Championship semi-finalist Walden came through his match against Mark Allen comfortably, a 6-2 winner. Allen had problems with his cue tip during the interval and struggled after that, making progression rather simple for the Stamina Man.