Stuart Bingham Stunned as UK Championship Table Controversy Sparks Dramatic Comeback Victory for Anda Zhang
Stuart Bingham’s journey in the UK Championship took an unfortunate turn during his clash with China’s Anda Zhang at the York Barbican, raising concerns about the tournament table’s condition. Bingham appeared on course for a comfortable victory, surging to a commanding 5-1 lead.
His dominance included a near-miss attempt at a 147 break in the fifth frame. However, Zhang staged an impressive fightback, narrowing the gap frame by frame.
The pivotal moment came in the eighth frame when Bingham attempted a routine safety shot after potting the first red. Positioned at the top of the table, he aimed to place the cue ball snugly behind the yellow.
To everyone’s astonishment, the ball deviated off its line, missing the yellow entirely. The crowd gasped as Bingham slumped into his chair, visibly frustrated. Zhang was awarded four points for the foul, but the incident sparked further controversy.
Commentating for the BBC, snooker legend Steve Davis was quick to call out the table’s condition. “It’s rolled off on the slate again, has it?” Davis remarked, highlighting concerns about uneven slate lines. Fellow commentator John Parrot echoed the sentiment, noting that previous issues had been identified along those lines.
Replay footage confirmed the ball’s deviation, prompting Davis to urge tournament organisers to immediately re-level the table.
The mishap rattled Bingham, whose subsequent mistake allowed Zhang to seize control and ultimately complete an extraordinary comeback.
Zhang’s resilience earned him a place in the quarter-finals, while Bingham’s exit was overshadowed by the contentious table conditions.
