STUART BINGHAM faces another ‘Battle of Essex’ at the Paul Hunter Classic – and this time he is determined to claim the bragging rights.
Ball Run was knocked out by Ali Carter in the last ranking event as the Chelmsford-based pro went on to record a memorable title win at the World Open in China.
Carter will be at the Stadthalle in Germany to defend his Paul Hunter Classic crown too, but it is Southend’s Sydney Wilson, 26, who will be Bingham’s first opponent early on Saturday afternoon (August 27).
Wilson is world ranked 87 and learnt his trade under the late Vic Harris, who also helped world No 2 Bingham with his game at the start of his career.
Bingham said: “I know Sydney a little bit and I think he practises at Ali Carter’s club in Witham now.
“He has had some good results and there will be a bit of local rivalry there again, but I feel it is one I should win if I play my A-Game.