STUART Bingham admits he is disappointed after a number of fellow snooker professionals pulled out of a charity football match.

The former world champion had arranged the match in aid of Little Havens next Saturday, with a number of stars on the tour agreeing to take part at Basildon United’s Stuart Bingham Stadium.

However, a number of top players have now withdrawn from the match, resulting in its cancellation.

And Bingham, 41, said he was disappointed with the response of his peers.

“I am disappointed and it would have been good for Basildon and Little Havens but it isn’t to be,” he said.

“One or two have exhibition matches but I know what certain players are like and they are nightmares when it comes to the crunch.

“I said I wanted a yes or a no off everyone and a few of the guys definitely wanted to be there but not enough so I can’t see it happening.

“Some guys were really committed,” he added. “Mark King had an exhibition in Derby on the same day and he was willing to play in the first-half.

“And Peter Lines had a team final and couldn’t let the others down which I understand.”

However, Bingham will still be raising money for charity this weekend.

The 2015 World Champion is holding a 24-hour snooker marathon, beginning at 8pm tonight and running through to 8pm tomorrow, in aid of motor neurones disease.

And he will be joined by Kyren Wilson at Rayleigh Lanes, who knocked him out of this year’s competition at the Crucible.

“I have a 24 hour snooker marathon for MND for my late father-in-law,” he said. “We have done a 10 mile walk to raise money in the past but this year it is something different.

“There will be a number of prizes too including a signed waistcoat, signed gloves from this year’s World Championship final referee Jan Verhaas, plus a flying experience and VIP tickets for the Masters quarter-final.

“I will be taking on members of the public for a donation as well.”

Bingham is a fortnight away from a return to competitive action, beginning his Riga Masters campaign against Mark Davis on June 23.

And he was pleased to come through two qualifying matches at the turn of the month.

“I am pleased,” he said. “I didn’t play my best but it’s the start of a new season and I am working with a new coach (Terry Griffiths).

“My experience got me through and I have a lot to work on.”