STUART Bingham is hoping to be the guy to shoot down Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ O’Sullivan as he aims to provide a spark at the Champion of Champions.

The Vange potter kicks off his campaign against O’Sullivan today in a repeat of last year’s final which Bingham narrowly lost 10-8.

Bingham has been in exceptional form this season, having already claimed the Shanghai Masters and Haining Open titles in China.

And last year’s beaten finalist is expecting a good crowd at the Ricoh Arena, in Coventry, when he prepares to do battle with fellow Essex boy O’Sullivan.

“It is a massive match,” said the world number nine. “Being a repeat of last year’s final I expect there will be quite a lot of interest in it especially as we are both in pretty good form.”

“It will be a good game for the spectator,” he added. “The matches towards the start of the week haven’t seen a great turn-out but I think that will change as the week goes on. The crowd really adds to the atmosphere so I hope to see some faces there.”

The local player adds these occasions are why he loves his job, with the cream of world snooker competing for the title.

“These games are what you practise for,” said Bingham. “I have been a pro for 20 years now and the chance to take on the best in the world is what we all look forward to.

“The format makes it exciting too. With it being the first to seven frames you know one mistake, especially against an opponent like Ronnie, is enough to see you lose the frame. But that just means I will need to be on my game.”

Bingham admits he has been struggling to adjust to the change in time-zones since arriving back in the UK from China, but says he hopes his busy schedule over the past few weeks has set him up for a charge at the Champion of Champions.

“I played every day at the Haining Open and that worked well for me,” he said.

“There was no shame in losing to Mark Allen (who lost in the final) who is a very accomplished player.

“But it is nice to be back at home and hopefully I can put on a good show.”

Bingham’s match will be on ITV4 today from 2pm.