Tight tussle remains all-square

St Leonards potter Davis and Essex cueman Bingham were locked together at 4-4 after the first session of their last 16 tie this morning (Sunday) and there is still nothing to separate them at 8-8 after this evening’s second session.

World number 16 Davis came from behind to level on four occasions during the opening session and the second session began in the same fashion. Eighth-ranked Bingham hit the front again by taking the ninth 68-0 with a break of 54 only for Davis to make it 5-5 by bagging the 10th 62-31.

Bingham went ahead for the sixth time by clinching the 11th 92-19 and finally established a two-frame cushion at 7-5 by winning the 12th 70-38 helped by a 55. Davis reeled off three in a row after the interval, though, starting by claiming the 13th 71-22.

Reigning Six Reds World Champion Davis rattled through the 14th 75-0 with all his points coming in a single visit - his only half-century break of the second session - and got his nose in front for the first time by pocketing the 15th 59-37.

Davis, 40, had a chance to claw his way back into the last frame of the night, but missed a black off its spot and Bingham took advantage to win it 87-6. The stage is set then for a fascinating final session at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield tomorrow from 1pm.