Snooker: Stuart Bingham's final fling in Aussie Goldfields

The 35-year-old beat fellow Englishman Shaun Murphy 6-2 in the semi-finals at the Bendigo Stadium in Victoria to set up a final showdown with Mark Williams today.

Williams, the world No.1, was also a 6-2 victor in his semi-final against Ireland's Ken Doherty yesterday as the Welshman hunts his 19th ranking tournament win.

Bingham enjoyed a flying start to his match as he took the opening frame with a 114 break.

That was the only century of the match but half-centuries from Bingham in the fourth and seventh frames helped him claim the victory, with Murphy's best break being the 43 he managed in a losing cause in the third frame.

Speaking after the win, Bingham said: "All the hard work and dedication has finally paid off.

"This has to be the best achievement for me. It's something I've wanted to do all of my life and I just hope I play well in the final."

He added: "I beat Stephen Hendry in the World Championships (in the opening round in 2000] and thought I had made it but a few things happened off the table that I wasn't happy with it. At one stage I nearly dropped off the tour and lost ten matches on the trot. I was about 76th in the rankings when there were only 90 players.

"I turned professional in 1995 and it's everyone's dream to become World Champion and world No.1. But as the years went on you start doubting yourself."

He added: "It's nice to put that Hendry result to rest. People will talk about my final here and not just about beating Stephen Hendry.

"It's going to be tough but the toughest thing is controlling my emotions."

Next up for Bingham is a clash with Williams, who recorded two century breaks - 110 in the third frame and 106 in the sixth - as well as scores of 47, 52, 48, 56 and 49 to see off the challenge of Doherty.

Those scores left Williams with seven of the top eight breaks in the match, with Doherty's best effort being the 55 he managed in frame two.

Williams, who now has a tournament-leading five century breaks to his name, was pleased with his performance and said: "It was a tough game and Ken didn't miss a lot.

"It's just nice to see him back playing and getting to the latter stages. This could be the springboard he needs to get back up the rankings."Doherty, making his first appearance in the last four of a ranking event since 2006, said: "Tonight Mark gave me a few chances but I didn't take them and when he's flowing and in the balls he looks fantastic.

"I've enjoyed every match I've played here and the atmosphere was enjoyable. I'm just a bit disappointed in my own performance.

"Mark will be pleased with his but I'm disappointed and I didn't live up to the standard of previous matches but that's the way sport is."

"Every day is different and you have to push yourself on but I've had a good week and it's been a good way to start the season," added 41-year-old Doherty, who is currently ranked 28th in the world.