STUART Bingham says he was “over the moon” after securing his route into the second round of the Welsh Open.

The defending champion lost the first frame to China’s Chen Zhe before hitting back to win the next four.

But the Bowers Gifford player did not have it all his own way, winning two frames on the black, as well as scoring the competition’s first century [118].

But he said he was pleased to advance, having been beaten more than once after coming into an event as defending champion.

“I played OK although had a few bad elementary safety shots but other than that I am over the moon to get through,” he said.

“I left him in a few times and I felt I had a sniff in the first frame [despite losing it]. I responded well with a century break and I settled down after that.

“I am scoring well but mentally it is a bit different. I am enjoying every match and that is all I can try and do.

“When I have come back as defending champing, I have lost two of the previous three first round matches so I was pleased to get through this.”

Bingham will now take on talented young Welshman Jackson Page in the second round of the competition tomorrow.

The 16-year-old made headlines last year when he reached the round of 32 despite being only 15 years old.

And, having earned a late call-up to this year’s event in Cardiff, he upset Sean O’Sullivan 4-3 to set up a second round clash against former world champion Bingham.