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

“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.”

Stuart Bingham completed an astonishing transformation from journeyman to king of the Crucible as he brilliantly beat Shaun Murphy to take the Betfred World Championship title.

Stuart Bingham was last night crowned world champion, beating Shaun Murphy 18-15 in the final at the Crucible Theatre.

Stuart Bingham completed an astonishing transition from journeyman to king of the Crucible as he brilliantly beat Shaun Murphy to take the Betfred World Championship title.