Stuart Bingham says he feels like he is approaching his best form after progressing into the third round of the Welsh Open.

The Bowers Gifford player defeated 16-year-old Jackson Page 4-2 this afternoon to set up a third round match against home favourite Matthew Stevens tomorrow.

And defending champion Bingham, 41, said he was pleased with his progress in Cardiff.

“I felt comfortable out there,” said the world number 11. “He won the first frame but I knew if I took my chances I would be OK.

“I am scoring fine and it is the mental side of things I need to work on. I would say I am playing at 75 per cent at the moment.

“I am playing Matthew Stevens next, which is always a tough game. I have drawn him at the China Open in April and played him last year here.

“He is a good lad and a great player when he puts his mind to it.”

Bingham also praised the performance of Page, who took the lead in the match only to miss several shots when well placed in later frames.

“It is a great experience for him and he has thrown his arm at a few shots,” said Bingham.

“He is a typical youngster. They can pot anything and sometimes he needs to take an extra second or two on shots. But he has a bright future.”

Bingham raced into a 49 point lead in the first frame before a mistake allowed Page in.

And the teenager made no mistake, making a break of 80 on the way to the first frame.

Bingham scored breaks of 77 and 92 to go 2-1 up but missed a golden chance to stretch his advantage.

A miss on the brown in the fourth frame was capitalised upon by Page to make it 2-2.

But Bingham grew in confidence and took the next two frames, with several blips along the way, to progress.