STUART Bingham is aiming to go on an extensive run when he gets his English Open underway today.

Bingham crashed out in the third round of the competition 12 months ago.

But having reached the final four in 2016, Bingham has set his sights on booking his place in the latter stages of the major tournament once again.

“I got beaten in the semi-finals two years ago 6-5 by Liang Wenbo, so I’ve got some memories of the English Open,” said Bingham.

“Obviously, I watched Ronnie (O’Sullivan) beat Kyren Wilson in the final last year and it’s up there as one of the main tournaments now.

“I’m looking forward to playing.

“It’s in Crawley and that’s only an hour or so away, so I’ll be commuting back and forth.”

Bingham, who is based in Bowers Gifford, will go head-to-head with 25-year-old Welshman Duane Jones in the opening round at Crawley’s K2 Leisure Centre.

Wenbo and O’Sullivan, the winners of the last two English Open competitions, booked their places in the last 64 with victories on the opening day yesterday.

And although Bingham is eager to join the duo in the next round, the 42-year-old - who is looking to bounce back from his second round exit from the European Masters at the hands of fellow Essex star Mark King - is aware Jones will be difficult to beat this afternoon.

Bingham, who was crowned world champion in 2015, added: “I’ve played Duane before and he is a good player.

“But hopefully I can get on with the business and win.

“It’s obviously best-of-seven and I find those matches a bit short.

“It is normal in today’s game but I have got to get stuck in and get on with the game this afternoon. I’m looking forward to it.”