by Our Sports Desk

Stuart Bingham revealed yesterday how a casual jibe from Northern Irish cueman Mark Allen spurred him to become world champion.

Allen claimed in 2011 that Bingham had “no bottle,” but it came back to haunt the Antrim man when he lost to the Basildon potter at the Australian Goldfields Open that year.

Bingham went on to claim that title, his first major victory after over 10 barren years as a professional, and the 38-year-old has gone from strength to strength, adding another major trophy at the Shanghai Masters this season and now the World Championship.

His 18-15 victory over Shaun Murphy, one of the most popular the Crucible has known, was followed by first-time finalist Bingham celebrating long into the night and patiently posing for hundreds of pictures with supporters and admirers at an after-match party.

But Bingham was keen to point to the slur from Allen almost four years ago as he toasted his trophy success.

“I’ve got to give thanks to Mark Allen. He got my back up that week in Australia by saying I had no bottle, but since then that’s all changed,” Bingham said.

“I’m world champion but I’m going to be the same person, I’ll be playing in all the tournaments and hopefully I’ll be a good role model as world champion.

“Any kids out there growing up wanting to play should stick at it. That’s what I’ve done.”