STUART Bingham is into the second round of the China Open after he came through a tricky encounter with Sam Baird.

The Vange potter won 5-3 to set up a match with Ian Burns this morning, after the world number 70 surprisingly saw off former world champion Peter Ebdon 5-0 in his tie.

Bingham started slowly against Baird, with the underdog racing into a 2-0 lead in Beijing. But three century breaks in the next four frames, including a sparkling 143, helped the world champion take a 4-2 advantage without Baird scoring a point.

Baird made it 4-3 before Bingham took an edgy eighth frame to book his place in the second round today. The winner will face either Kyren Wilson or Rod Lawler in the next round.

Bingham begins at 11.30am, with the tournament shown live on Eurosport 1.