The snooker world is still buzzing after Stuart “Ball-Run” Bingham stunned Ronnie O’Sullivan with a dramatic 13–10 quarter-final victory at this year’s World Snooker Championship — but just days later, the 2015 World Champion has surprised everyone again by announcing an unexpected career twist.
Bingham is switching from snooker to pool — at least for the next few months.
After his fairytale win over O’Sullivan, Bingham’s run came to an end in the semi-finals with a 17–12 loss to Jak Jones, who went on to face Kyren Wilson in the final.
Now, instead of taking a break, the 47-year-old is jumping straight into another cue sport — the UK Pool Open in Telford, where he’ll be competing for a top prize of £160,000.
The Essex-born star earned £100,000 from his Crucible campaign but isn’t planning to rest just yet.
He told SunSport:
“I love playing all year round. It’s nice to have family holidays, but if there’s a tournament to play — I’ll be there.”
Bingham says his plan this summer is to alternate between snooker and pool, depending on his qualification schedule.
“I’d rather be playing snooker,” he admitted,
“but if I don’t qualify for an event and there’s a pool event on — I’ll play pool.
Pool is a bit more relaxed, but when you’re on the table, you still want to win.”
He added:
“It’s not like playing darts where your arm aches after. You’re still potting balls.
I’ll only play pool around the snooker schedule — if the dates don’t clash.”
Born in Basildon, Bingham has been one of snooker’s most consistent players for two decades.
A six-time ranking event winner, he reached the pinnacle of the sport in 2015, defeating Shaun Murphy in one of the most emotional finals in Crucible history.
He also enjoyed nearly two years as world number two and is widely respected for his sportsmanship and determination.
But few knew that Bingham had prior experience in pool — having played exhibition matches and crossover events for years.
Now, with snooker’s calendar packed and pool offering bigger global exposure under Matchroom’s events, “Ball-Run” is ready to take a cue from both worlds.
Bingham’s switch isn’t just for fun — it’s strategic.
With the World Nineball Tour and Matchroom Pool Series gaining huge attention worldwide, more snooker pros are exploring crossover opportunities.
For Bingham, it’s both a chance to stay competitive and to boost his career earnings.
And let’s be honest — after facing the Rocket at the Crucible, a few racks of pool might feel refreshingly simple.
From conquering Sheffield’s biggest stage to diving into the high-speed world of pool, Stuart Bingham proves once again that cue mastery knows no boundaries.
Whether it’s a green baize or a blue felt table, “Ball-Run” is still rolling strong.