STUART Bingham will bid to end his Players Championship Grand Final hoodoo today.

The world number four from Vange has never won a match at the event, and he will be looking to put that right when he breaks off against Wales’ Ryan Day at 1pm at the Guild Hall in Preston.

The 37-year-old won his first title of the season earlier this month at an Asian tour event in China, but he will not be underestimating world number 21 Day, 34.

Bingham said: “Ryan has come back to a bit of form.

“He won one of the Championship League qualifying groups and got beat in the semis of the main tournament I think. But he’s always been a dangerous player and it will be a tough game.

“And I don’t think I have ever won a game in the Grand Finals, so it’s a bit like the Masters for me.

“I have not got past the last 32, so that’s what I am aiming for. I’m playing well so hopefully I can do that.”

World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, world number one Neil Robertson, Chinese ace and defending champion Ding Junhui, plus John Higgins and Shaun Murphy will be among those competing for the trophy.

The tournament will run from March 25 to 29 and feature 32 of the world’s leading players battling for the £100,000 top prize.

The winner of Bingham’s match will set up a second round clash with either Stephen Maguire or Barry Hawkins.

Bingham said: “It is best-of-seven, like the PTCs, and it is what it is.

“Anyone can get in and knock in three tons on the trot now, so you have to be on your game from the off. You don’t have to do a lot wrong to get beat in these and it is important to get off to a good start.”