STUART Bingham will be involved in the Masters despite his wife giving birth to their second child just 48 hours earlier.

The Masters got underway at Alexandra Palace, London, yesterday and Bingham originally had doubts as to whether he could compete as his second child with wife Michelle was due imminently.

But baby Marnie Rose was born on Saturday afternoon, and Bingham, who lives in Bowers Gifford, will now turn his attentions to the Masters.

Bingham said: “I’ve been waiting for the baby to arrive since the Scottish Open last month really, so things have been a bit up in the air.

“So it has been really handy having the snooker room at my home because it has meant I can look after Michelle and then pop out for some practice when I can.

“And although the baby was late, there were no complications and it was a very emotional and special day for me and our family.

“I got a nudge from Michelle about 4am on Saturday morning and she said, ‘I think I am in labour’. We went into hospital about 2pm and the baby was born a few hours later.

“It is early days but it has given me a bit of a new mindset heading into the Masters.

“After something amazing like that happens it does remind you that you are only playing a game of snooker and there are more important things.

“That said, I am going there to give it my best as always and I plan to give a good account of myself.”

Bingham, 40, will take on Joe Perry in the first round of the annual competition tonight.

Although Perry has a good record against Bingham, the 2015 World Snooker Champion is heading into the Masters looking to build on last year’s success.

Bingham reached the semi-finals - his best performance at the Masters to date - 12 months ago, but was knocked out by eventual winner Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The Masters sees the sport’s top 16 players go head-to-head and although Bingham understands he has a difficult task ahead of him, he says he is looking to lift the Masters trophy for the first time in his career.

Bingham added: “I am confident going into the Masters. It would be great if I can win the trophy and get my hands on it.

“Only the top 16 in the world are in the tournament so I know it will be difficult.

“I was beaten by Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals of the Masters last year, but that was the first time I had got that far in the competition so I was pleased.

“Now I am looking to take another step forward.”

Bingham’s first round clash with Perry will be broadcast live on the BBC Red Button and Eurosport 2 from 7pm.