Basildon tournament professional Stuart Bingham is the new singles champion of the Vic Harris Snooker League.

Despite giving a 49 start in each frame to his opponent, Bingham, who represents Leigh's Executive Club, pulled off a 3-2 win over Wickford's defending champion Chris Pollock.

Last year's title holder won the first frame, but Bingham levelled with a 47 break.

Pollock again restored his advantage, but Bingham hit eight reds and seven blacks for a 57 break to level the match at 2-2 to take the contest into a decider.

Ironically, Bingham was not aware at the time that he was on for a possible maximum, but narrowly missed the eighth black.

In the decider Bingham started with a 61 break to claw back the handicap, but from thereon in both players had chances to clinch the title.

This was particularly true of Pollock, but in the end an excellent long blue from Bingham proved to be enough.

The two players will collect their prize money and trophies at the league's presentation evening on June 7 at the Essex Snooker Centre, Benfleet.

Published Friday, May 16, 2003

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