CHRISTMAS has come early for Basildon snooker star Stuart Bingham, who yesterday capped a magic maximim by winning the Masters qualifying tournament at Pontin's Prestatyn.

In a fantastic best-ever season the new towner, 29, followed up Tuesday's 147 in his whitewash quarter-final win over Marcus Campbell by winning the event in Wales to earn a place alongside the top 16 in the world at Wembley in January.

His first round opponent looks set to be fellow Essex favourite Steve Davis, the six times world champion from Romford.