STUART Bingham is confident he will soon return to his best.

It was only six months ago that Bingham was crowned world champion, but since then his form has been wretched.

He was knocked out of last week’s International Championship in a shock 6-2 defeat to China’s Yu De Lu, but with the UK Championships looming, Bingham insists he will turn his form around.

“The season’s not been going great so far,” admitted Basildon’s Bingham. “It’s been a bit of a mediocre start really.

“Obviously my best result so far was reaching the semi-finals in Shanghai (where he lost to Judd Trump), but other than that it has been pretty poor for me.

“So I’m hoping to pick my game up and pick some results up.

“I’ve put a bit of added pressure on myself and obviously it was a bit of a slow start.

“I’ve probably had a bit more time off this year doing interviews, videos and other things and I wouldn’t be practising snooker.

“I haven’t said no to anyone so I’m doing interviews, golf days and things like that, but now I’m back practising full time and so hopefully the results will start coming now.”

Last season was Bingham’s best year to date, winning the Shanghai Masters and the second Asian Tour as well as being crowned world champion.

But the world number two admits the perks that have accompanied his title win may have led to his performance downfall this year.

“It was without doubt the best season I have ever had,” he added. “I have maybe put a bit of added pressure on myself trying to be world champion instead of just letting things happen.

“My game is nearly there, it’s not quite there but it’s hopefully getting back on track.”

The UK Championship kicks off on November 24 at the York Barbican, with reigning champion Ronnie O’Sullivan choosing not to defend his title.

And with this in mind, Bingham is confident that fans will see an improvement on his recent performances when he picks up his cue at the event.

“I’m trying to go to every match and every tournament trying to win it,” he said.

“But obviously at the moment it would be nice just to win a couple of games together.

“The last two years I have got to the semi-finals. “It’s a good place is York so hopefully I can go one or two steps further.”

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