STUART Bingham has crashed out of the Welsh Open after suffering a third round defeat to Matthew Stevens.

Bingham went into the competition, which is being held at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, looking to defend his title after claiming silverware in the Welsh capital 12 months ago.

Wins over Chen Zhe and Jackson Page saw the Bowers Gifford man book a place in the third round, but Stevens was able to secure a comfortable 4-1 win in the best-of-seven frames encounter.

For the third match in succession, Bingham lost the first frame.

An impressive break of 76 put home favourite Stevens in control.

And Bingham was condemned to a two frame deficit as Stevens cranked up the pressure.

Bingham, who was making his third tournament appearance since being handed a lengthy ban, could only muster two points as Stevens clinched the third frame and gave the 41-year-old a mountain to climb.

However, Bingham gave himself hope as he took the fourth frame after claiming 78 points at the table. 

But Bingham's exit from the competition was confirmed when Stevens claimed the fifth frame and victory.