World Snooker Championship final as it happened

Former world champion Neil Robertson on Twitter: Massive congrats to Stuart Bingham. A top bloke who supports all the tournaments around the world. Enjoy mate.

Ex-world champion Mark Williams on Twitter: All these young snooker players should take a hard look at Bingham and take some tips off him, dedicated and plays in everything.

2011 UK Championship finalist Mark Allen on Twitter: Massive well done to Stuart Bingham. Great performance under the most intense pressure. Deserved world champion. Enjoy!!

He was priced at 50-1 before the start of the tournament. Many people thought this is something he would never achieve.

But through years and years of hard work, of playing in every competition around the world, Stuart Bingham has earned his place at the pinnacle of the sport.

QPR midfielder Joey Barton on Twitter: Top snooker final that. Bingham deserved it. Would have loved Murphy to win but great story for Bingham.

Nine-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova on Twitter: Stuart Bingham is the champion! And Shaun Murphy is a really good sport:)

Former England striker Michael Owen on Twitter: Amazing scenes. Delighted for Bingham and what a great sportsman Murphy is.

"It has been the tournament of his life. He has played the best he has played at the most important time in his life. And it is no fluke, he deserves everything he gets in this event.

"It could not go to a nicer man. He is one of the most popular players on the circuit. It is a triumph for him and the new circuit because he has been at every event."

Celine: Congratulations Stuart Bingham. You deserve the title of world champion. Twenty years of waiting. Worth it.

Kieran Robinson: To beat O'Sullivan, Trump and Murphy takes some doing. Class from Stuart Bingham, deserved champion.

"It gives everybody hope that it can turn around. We don't know if he truly believed he could win this two weeks ago. But he played like he did.

"When he needed to be focused, by the end he was calmer than anyone in the room. It shows that nice guys can be winners."

World Championship winner Stuart Bingham: "At one stage at 15-15 I thought I was going to do Shaun's speech. It was a 64-minute frame to go 16-15 and that really calmed me down. Four words: Winner, winner chicken dinner. My mum, dad, my wife, my family. My whole team I have to thank.

"Coming in to it was a bit different. I got to two semis out of three events. It didn't start brilliantly but I went from strength to strength. And in the final I beat the second best man in the tournament! To beat Shaun in the final tops everything off.

"Twenty years as professional, blood sweat and tears on the road. Qualifying in places like Prestatyn and Malvern. So many family and friends have backed me. It is unbelievable."

Stuart Bingham has his hands on the World Championship trophy. The moment he has worked so, so hard for. The moment he has dreamed off. The moment he will never forget.

World Championship runner-up Shaun Murphy: "It has been a great fortnight. It hasn't finished how I wanted but I gave it my best and came up against an inspired Stuart Bingham.

"Sometimes your name is on the trophy. As a snooker geek like Stuart, there is not a player alive who deserves it more than him."

What a day for Stuart Bingham. He wins £300,000, moves up to second in the world rankings and is the champion of the world.

Bingham raises his arms aloft, the players embrace. And Stuart Bingham, at the age of 38, has done what he has always dreamed of doing. He has won the world title. Shaun Murphy applauds gracefully from the side as Bingham celebrates with his family.

STUART BINGHAM IS THE 2015 WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPION.

Murphy needs snookers. And for Bingham to miss.

The red is in. One colour, one red and that should do it.

The lead is 57 for Bingham, 75 left.

Stuart Bingham has been playing snooker competitively for 22 years. The 38-year-old is a few shots away from achieving his lifelong dream.

Bingham is 30 ahead. And still in a good position. Is this it?

Jake Chandler: The best world championship I have ever witnessed, they are both fantastic players! The bingmiester is playing brilliant.

Ryan Mohan: Would be delighted if Bingham won this frame he's been class throughout the whole game and deserves it.

But wait just a minute. Murphy misses another red. Stuart Bingham, this is your chance.

Murphy nearly gifts Bingham a chance with one of the first shots of the frame. He goes for power, misses and then watches the red roll up the table and into the pocket.

Andy Snowden: This #bbcsnooker vibe is throughout the house.

Andy, you have far too much time on your hands.

"I think Stuart regained his composure because of that tactical frame at 15-15 and the break he made was very assured after that.

"It took the heat out of the situation, but it will be back on again now as he can see the winning line."

The biggest 20 minutes of Stuart Bingham's snooker career are coming up.

"You can't put the importance on that frame that took 64 minutes. Winning that was such a boost for Bingham.

"That was a great break he made in that last frame and just holding yourself together in these circumstances is a difficult thing to do."

This is the frame to Bingham. He is on the verge of greatness. One more Stuart, one more.

We're still going by the way in the 32nd frame. Bingham is 63 ahead, but there are still 67 points left on the table.

Carwyn Bowen: Can't take your eyes off this match for an instant.

Michael John: Blimey, this is as intense a thriller as you're going to get at The Crucible.

Imogen Ward: This is too much for me and my heavily pregnant state.

Sarah Baxter: This might be an all-nighter but I'm loving every minute. Amazing match.

If winning the world title isn't enough pressure, there is £300,000 for the winner of the match - £175,000 more than the runner-up will get.

Shaun Murphy leaves a red over the pocket and Bingham is set to move to within one of the title.

"Pressure everywhere. A table just collapsed in the press room, leaving a photographer sprawling to save their laptop and camera.

"Two fellow journalists ran across to give them a hand, but thankfully, no damage was done. It's getting late!"

Stuart Bingham misses a frame-winning red. Murphy, 59-0 behind, then misses a shot at the red.

World number 33 Mark King on Twitter: "I think Bingham has shown awesome character here, whatever Murphy has thrown Bingham has thrown harder."

This frame is Bingham's for the taking. The break cranks up to 40 and his lead is 44 points.

Michael Owen, former England striker: "Snooker may not be as popular as it once was but the drama of The World Championship Final is hard to beat."

"Get in" shouts someone in the crowd as Bingham sinks a long red and then the brown ball. The reds are everywhere. This could be another one for the man from Essex.

Martina Navratilova, nine-time Wimbledon champion: "This frame was the equivalent of a 18:16 set or something like that…wow"

JP Magner: Never mind fingernails, I've no fingers left. Come on Stuart. What an epic match.

Mike White: 64 minutes to complete that frame but I enjoyed every second of it. Gripping, nerve-jangling sport at its best.

Jake Spall: Can't believe this final. Tense match but a true masterclass from both players, it's so hard to call it they both deserve it now.

Alan McWhan: Every so often, a match comes along that really reminds you why you love snooker. This is one of those games.

Jon Holloway: Possibly one of the best frames of snooker I've ever seen, and I was watching in 1985 too.

"Quite an amazing frame. 64 minutes of high-powered tension for both players. The adrenaline keeps you going. Bingham, after losing three frames in a row, badly needed that. He will be delighted."

It is over. Well, that frame is. Not the match. One hour, four minutes of tension, drama, misses, snookers and more misses. Bingham inches closer. He needs two more.

The players are back. Bingham in control. The pink ball is over the pocket, but Murphy can't pot it as he needs snookers.

Former England striker and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker on Twitter: "The snooker is intolerably tense on BBC Two."

You're not kidding Gary. This frame has been going for more than an hour. Yes, one frame, one hour.

"Up until now Stuart has played a tactically brilliant game of snooker. Of the two of them he is the better tactician. If you remember the last frame against Judd Trump - which was a tactical one - Stuart dominated it.

"Shaun Murphy was unlucky halfway through the frame, but after that the tactics kicked in. It is all fractions."

The players are walking out of the arena. But the frame is not over. Time for a toilet break for Bingham. He looks a bit sheepish as he has to nip off. When you've got to go, you've got to go. Murphy also leaves the arena.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn on Twitter: This final proves my point that we will sell you a seat but guarantee you will only need the edge of it.

Stuart Bingham is now 74-47 ahead. Four balls left on the table.

Lord James: I just want to thanks Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham for slowing the game down so I can watch more of it.

You won't be saying that at four in the morning.

This frame has been going on for so long. These lads were clean-shaven at the start of it.

"Both players have put so much into this frame that whoever wins it will have such a boost from it."

Finally, after costing Shaun Murphy 30 points in fouls, he finally hits the yellow. We are nearly at the 50-minute mark for this frame.

Close enough for you? 47-47 in the 31st frame. 15-15 in frames.

Four times he tries to get out of this snooker, four times Shaun Murphy misses.

Murphy needs the yellow, green and brown to go 16-15 ahead. He promptly then misses the yellow. The pressure is telling for both players. A calm head is needed now. Easier said than done.

Matthew: This final has had everything, to-and-fro, comebacks, awesome breaks and frame 31 tactical connoisseur's dream - game on.

Emma Anderson: Wow what a final I've bit all my nails off it's that tense.

Iain Boyd: I'm sick of all this potting ruining the excellent safety play.

It is all over at the KC Stadium and Arsenal are deserved 3-1 winners against Hull. The victory takes the Gunners level on points with second-placed Manchester City and with a game in hand. The Tigers remain just a point above the bottom three.

Amazing bad luck for Stuart Bingham. He sinks a cracking red, the cue ball bounces off another red and vanishes off the table. Can Murphy capitalise on that one?

Annabel Croft, former British number one tennis player: "What cue ball control from 'Ball run Bingham' this snooker is exciting!"

There may be a few bleary eyes at work tomorrow. Do not go anywhere though. This final has had everything. And there is more to come. Very tense.

One mistake could cost a player a frame. Bingham 31-16 ahead in this one. Hopefully each of the remaining frames aren't as tense as this. At this rate the final may finish by about Wednesday. The safety battle continues.

Four reds on the cushion. The cueball snuffled in behind the brown ball. This is going to take some sorting out.

Don't worry you haven't missed much. It is the tightest frame in a long time. Eight reds left. Bingham 21 ahead.

Ross Arnold: The standard of snooker has been absolutely fantastic. No idea who's going to take it.

Guy Sudron: Who'd have thought that two blokes, two sticks, some balls and a green table could generate so much tension. Awesome.

A half-chance for Bingham. He is 16-9 ahead and has just gone into the pack of reds.

Former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann on Twitter: Would be buzzing for Bingham but I think Murphy will win now.

Hamann was at the Crucible a few days ago.

Tight and tense at the Crucible. The score in frames Murphy 15, Bingham 15. In this frame - Murphy 5, Bingham 6.

Hull were comprehensible outplayed in the first half by Arsenal, with the Gunners storming into a 3-0 lead at the break, courtesy of goals from Alexis Sanchez (2) and Aaron Ramsey.

But the Tigers have given themselves a slim hope of getting back into the game through Stephen Quinn, who has scored in the 56th minute.

Two early mistakes from Stuart Bingham in the 31st frame. He has to hold himself together or this is going to be a painful end for what has been a wonderful tournament from him.

"Both players now need three frames to claim the title, but who can hold themselves together? It's tense at the Crucible, with plenty of oohs and aahs ringing around the arena. Everyone knows how important this 31st frame is.

"Bingham is starting to feel the pressure, while Murphy looks to be imposing himself on the match again. We could be in for a late one."

"There are times out there when you feel everything is working normally and you wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but there are times when someone's coming back at you and you feel like your arm's very heavy.

"You've got to just try and play to your natural instincts."

Emma Stephens: This is much more exciting than thought it would be.

James Andell: 15-15. Feel for Bingham at the moment. Looks like he's struggling big time with the nerves. Murphy was my bet at the start.

Aaron Jones: Very tight final this is. Bingham needs a good break next frame. Murphy needs to keep this pressure on. Sensational stuff!

"I was really impressed with Shaun Murphy's cuing there. There were a lot of challenging shots in that frame. Under the most extreme pressure he is cuing really well."

This final is currently shaping up for a very dramatic conclusion. But what other recent finals have been as close as this? Here is a little list of some other Crucible showdowns that have gone down to the last few frames this century...

2000: Mark Williams 18-16 Matthew Stevens

2002: Peter Ebdon 18-17 Stephen Hendry

2003: Mark Williams 18-16 Ken Doherty

2005: Shaun Murphy 18-16 Matthew Stevens

And we are level again. Shaun Murphy has been four ahead, three behind, but is now all square. Both players need three more.

Murphy has the frame in his grasp. He missed a red, but Stuart Bingham, opting to swerve at short distance, leaves the red hanging over the pocket.

Dave Sullivan: Sad to see, Bingham looks gone to me. Shades of McIlroy at Augusta. It will end up 18-15 to Murphy this, or 18-16.

But Bingham, trying to slow-roll a red into the corner, misses. He looks a bit rueful and this is a great chance for Murphy to take us level at 15-15.

Murphy first to make an impact in this frame. Fourteen points on the board. And he misses a blue off the spot into the middle pocket.

Colin Elliott: Brilliant snooker from both players this will bring more players to local clubs #pressure.

Happier than you: Bingham will kick himself if he loses. Been the best player in the tournament, form of his life. This is his one shot at glory.

Dave Perkins: Not sure I can watch the rest of the snooker - too nervous. Nothing against Shaun Murphy, but desperate for Stuart Bingham to win it.

Don't leave us now Dave.

Right, back to the action. The final session of the 2015 World Snooker Championship. Stuart Bingham needs three frames, Shaun Murphy four.

So who's going to win, our presenter Hazel Irvine asks.

"Oh, Hazel! I don't know! You keep asking me - one wins a frame, the other wins one. Ask Steve. Being serious, the next frame is huge just to see which player is coping with this."

IBF world Welterweight Champion Kell Brook on BBC Sport: "It has been so exciting. It is great snooker. It has been amazing, the way Murphy has come back. He is holding it together better now.

"I try to knock a few balls around to relax and take myself out of the boxing."

These are the full results

1. Judd Trump (shot J) 17.6%, 2. Joe Perry (shot A) 14.4%, 3. Alan McManus (shot C) 14%, 4. Ali Carter (shot D) 12.8%, 5. Shaun Murphy (shot I) 12.3%, 6. Judd Trump (shot B) 8.3%, 7. Judd Trump (shot H), 7.9%, 8. Mark Davis (shot E) 4.5%, 9. Anthony McGill (shot G) 4.3%, 10. Shaun Murphy (shot F) 3.9%.

Thanks to everyone who voted.

We asked for your favourite shot of the tournament, and the results are in. The winner is Judd Trump's shot against Stuart Bingham in the semi-final. Trailing 8-5, Trump pots the blue, sends the cue ball around the baulk area, and dislodges the red that had been tight on the side cushion.

From here....

...to here.

George Breckenridge: What a final tonight. Can't call it. Shows how much the standard has improved recently. We're in for a long night.

Carter: Honestly, this is the best final I've ever seen.

Maxim: Really close, hard to pick a winner in this one, great final, loving it.

Six-time finalist Jimmy White: "Shaun made an amazing clearance to stay in the match. It's been a quality match all the way through.

"Bingham's missed a few but he's still one frame in front. He's just got to stay focused, not think about the finish line and try and get on with it.

"Just play ball by ball - he's got to go for his shots, play his game. Shaun will be delighted because he's missed quite a few shots and he's only one frame behind, so he will fancy the job."

And what of Jimmy's quest for the title? "I never won the world championship - but I'm not finished yet."

Two-time world champion Mark Williams on Twitter: If Bingham goes on to win this now it will be achievement of the year, now under the utmost pressure.

"These two have come back at each other so often we're likely to have more turns yet. It was a fantastic clearance from Shaun and has given him good momentum. Worryingly for Stuart, he has made a few mistakes. That interval has come at the right time for Stuart.

"What will make this even more exciting is that they are going to start missing a few. They haven't done all match but we are getting into the nitty gritty and it is so close."

Phil Verney: I have wrote this poem about BBC snooker's coverage.

For those of you following this fantastic final but also keen to keep abreast of what is happening in the football, do not fear.

Here is the latest from the KC Stadium: Arsenal are winning 2-0 against Hull courtesy of an Alexis Sanchez deflected free-kick and an Aaron Ramsey strike.

"It looks like Stuart has seen the winning line with 15 frames on the board when he needs 18. It happens to loads of players, he won't be the last.

"Both players got what they deserved in that session but they go back to the dressing room and can regroup. I don't think anybody really know who's going to win this."

So Murphy wins that one. It is time for the mid-session interval. One frame in it. Who is going to win? Whoever holds their nerve in the last part of this final.

Ian Bradley: Tension building as the winning line looms, standard inevitably slipping, lots of twists and turns to come.

Stuart Winton: Shaun Murphy seems a really nice guy but you've got to want Bingham to win this because of the fairytale behind it.

Dan: I think we're going to a last-frame decider. This match deserves one. This tournament deserves one.

Murphy is up to 64, but then sinks the cue ball. Bingham needs two snookers but is still alive in this frame. Just about.

Murphy is progressing nicely in the 29th frame of a potential 35.

If Bingham is Rocky Balboa then I'm afraid his last shot was like Balboa's first meeting with Clubber Lang. Lacking power, all over the place and giving his rival a great opportunity.

A misjudged pink brings Murphy to the table. Bingham is only 18 ahead and there are points aplenty for Murphy here.

The ardvark: Bingham is the Rocky Balboa of snooker. Every time you think a break is done he picks himself up.

Bingham sets up the 29th frame nicely. It is going to be tense this one, with Bingham leaving Murphy in trouble with the cue ball tight on the baulk cushion.

"I think by this time it's about who can hold themselves together. We sit here just gasping at the standard - it's got so much better, the shots they pull out. That was just an ordinary clearance -an ordinary superhero clearance."

BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker on Twitter: "I'll be channel hopping between the snooker final and the football faster than they're potting balls."

If you want to hop between the snooker and the football, why not head on over to our football live text commentary? Be sure to come on back soon, though, because this final is heading towards a tremendous finish.

Martin Warren: So many twists and turns in that frame. Bingham will be disappointed as he had a golden chance. Down to 13-15 now - game on.

"We said Bingham's clearance in the last frame was the best, but I want to change my mind. That clearance was just sublime, especially when you consider the position the balls were in. To clear up from the place he was in is a magnificent effort.

"I was talking to Gary Wilkinson earlier, who was a championship player, and he said to me that these two have made this look like a pool table."

What a steal from Shaun Murphy. He was 55-0 behind and an excellent clearance of 75 sees him take the frame. Is that the turning point?

This is going to hurt Stuart Bingham, he was 55-0 ahead. Murphy down to the colours, all on their spots.

Well, there won't be any tears from Bingham just yet. He is 55-0 up and should seal the frame in this visit, but a miss on the red leaves the door slightly ajar for Shaun Murphy.

World number 45 Mike Dunn on Twitter: If Stuart Bingham wins this it will be the most emotional winner since Pat Cash won Wimbledon.

Bingham gets a bit lucky after missing one, but leaving nothing on. He then gets back to the table and this is looking like 16-12.

"Stuart Bingham walked out tonight as the favourite with that lead he had, so that break was so important to maintain his distance from Shaun.

"I don't think he'd be thinking about the winning line now but if he wins another frame, he's thinking 'I'm only one frame away.' There is that level of pressure that builds up. It's just about getting to the winning line and staying in the present."

Two-time World Championship runner-up Ali Carter on Twitter: "Anything half missable, the ballrun (Bingham) is just stroking it in. All credit. Really, really impressed with Stuart's composure."

"That was the best break of the match by a mile. The balls are awkward, the black is on the brown spot and he keeps chipping away. The cue ball was in three different postcodes and he cleans up. Sensational.

"It sends the message right back to Murphy that Bingham is here to play and he will have to be very good to beat him."

Tremendous effort from Bingham. His break, with the black out of commission for most of it, included two yellows, three greens, eight blues and ends on 102. What a performance.

He needs three more frames for the title.

As well as this gripping final, there is also a game of football taking place in the Premier League between Hull and Arsenal at the KC Stadium.

Arsenal are currently third and chasing down second-placed Manchester City, while Hull could dearly do with the points to put further space between themselves and the bottom three.

We have a dedicated live text commentary on that very game tonight, which you can follow via our football pages. The game gets under way in about 10 minutes.

Stuart Bingham is having to work hard in this break, but he is up to 56. And still going.

Mohsin Munshi: My five-year-old daughter watching the snooker with me this year for the first time and is now a massive Bingham fan.

Daz: Think the snooker fans, unless in Murphy's camp, will be roaring Stuart Bingham on tonight to win.

Gary Huddless: Bingham just keeps on potting. Heroic effort from a thoroughly likeable everyman.

One man who knows a thing or two about winning big showdowns is IBF World Welterweight champion Kell Brook.

The 29-year-old, who hails from the home of the Crucible, Sheffield, looks to have settled in to watch this final to the conclusion. He has asked, via Twitter: "who's everyone picking to win this final?"

Why don't you send us your views on the way this is going to pan out down the final, dramatic stretch? You can get involved via #bbcsnooker.

Early stages of frame 27. Stuart Bingham leads 33-6.

Stuart Bingham started off the tournament as a 50-1 chance to win the title. There may well be some people holding betting slips getting very excited later on. When he won the title 10 years ago, Shaun Murphy started the competition priced at 150-1.

Luke Taylor: Didn't (referee) Olivier Marteel use to sing for REM?

There will definitely be some (shiny) happy people if Stuart Bingham wins this one.

Apologies, everyone.

Is a fightback on from Shaun Murphy? The Crucible has seen some fantastic drama. Here are some the best fightbacks at the famous Sheffield venue.

Steve Davis v Dennis Taylor (1985) - They started the final session with Davis leading 15-12, but Taylor won the title 18-17, on the final black ball.

Stephen Hendry v Jimmy White (1992) - Hendry was 14-10 down, but won eight frames in a row, including three century breaks to win 18-14.

Ray Reardon v Alex Higgins (1982) - Higgins was 13-12 up going into the final session, the scores were level at 15-15 after Reardon won three consecutive frames, before Higgins won the last three to seal the match 18-15.

And almost a fight back..

Peter Ebdon v Graeme Dott (2006) - Ebdon was trailing 15-7 and fought back to 15-13, although he still ended up losing 18-14.

"I think the players, when they reach this standard and place in the tournament they get more accurate.

"Neither player wants to get bogged down in safety play and are taking on shots they wouldn't ordinarily do. Shaun Murphy had a bombardment of breaks in the second session but didn't close it out. It will reach a crescendo for certain."

It took a while, but Shaun Murphy gets the points he needs to take the opening frame of the last session.

Bingham, needing two snookers, opts to play on. It is 66-6 to Murphy, with only three reds on the table, one of them almost on the side cushion. This frame is going to take some rescuing.

Stuart Bingham misses an attempted red and Shaun Murphy is back in to extend his lead to 65-0. Before he then plays safe.

Well he was in a good position but Murphy's break comes to an abrupt halt on 37 as the black ball gets in the way of his attempted red.

Jenny Gaskell: I don't understand how people can be socialising, all out & about on snooker bank holiday. So tense I keep forgetting to breathe.

Paul: Shaun Murphy's shoes were also used during the filming of Bugsy Malone.

Emma Godley: Rushed home from holiday to watch the snooker, will it be worth it?

And breathe, Jenny.

An early chance for Murphy. The reds are all over the place. Worth pointing out Murphy is back in the black and white shoes he wore yesterday.

So that's the last time we see Shaun Murphy's red suit, the one that made such an impact on social media, at this year's tournament.

But then again, he is not the first snooker player to wear some crazy clothes. As these great pictures from the BBC archives prove.

Both pictures come from Big Break Christmas charity specials from the 1990s.

The top one features Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor and Stephen Hendry, while the bottom image has Taylor, John Virgo, Big Break presenter Jim Davidson, John Parrott and Davis in their best gear.

Bad news for fans of Shaun Murphy's red suit that he wore earlier. If there are any fans of that suit, of course.

He has gone conservative with his outfit for tonight. No-one wants to lift the world title trophy wearing a red suit.

World Championship finalist Stuart Bingham: "It would be an unbelievable feeling to lift that trophy up after all the people who have lifted it before. It would mean everything."

World Championship finalist Shaun Murphy: "It didn't mean as much to me at 22 so to win this championship again would be the biggest moment of my life. It will mean so much to him [Stuart Bingham]. If I wasn't in the final I would probably want him to win it."

World number nine Joe Perry on Twitter: Good luck to Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham tonight. Whoever wins will make a great world champion! Snooker is the winner.

We play to a finish tonight. By the end of the evening we will have a champion. No matter how long it takes. The winner will be the one who gets to 18 frames. So we will have a minimum of four frames, but a maximum of 10 frames.

Get comfortable, pour yourself a drink, get the popcorn. Do not go anywhere.

We are live on BBC Two again. Right now. Press the play button at the top of the page to watch (UK only).

Only on four occasions has a player gone into the final session at the Crucible trailing and gone on to win the title.

Shaun Murphy trailed 12-11 in 2005 and won 18-16 against Matthew Stevens and Mark Williams trailed 13-11 in 2000 and won 18-16 also against Stevens.

Further back, Stephen Hendry was 14-10 behind against Jimmy White (pictured) in 1992 before winning the next eight frames.

Dennis Taylor was losing 13-11 to Steve Davis in that famous 1985 final before winning 18-17 on the final black.

"There is a lot more snooker to play. Stuart Bingham is in his final session of a World Championship final and the atmosphere is going to be immense."

Michael McGrory: What a final so far. Wonder 30 years on could it go to 17-17 & a black ball finish in the decider?

Castiel: Bingham has pushed himself to his absolute best which is absolutely great to watch. What a brilliant final this is.

Carl Oluwole: Stuart Bingham playing the match of his life, really exciting snooker final. I'm hoping for a Shaun Murphy comeback.

"Former professional Joe Johnson has been in the media centre at the Crucible today, now working as a commentator for Eurosport.

"Some journalists in the media centre are drawing parallels between Bingham's run and Johnson's surprise World Championship victory in 1986.

"No-one expected Johnson to beat Steve Davis all those years ago, so can Bingham follow him and write his name into snooker folklore?"

And off we go again. Welcome back. I'm Michael Emons and will be guiding you through the rest of the World Snooker Championship final.

It may well be the biggest night of Stuart Bingham's life. He leads Shaun Murphy 14-11 and needs four more frames to be the champion of the world.

So we will leave our coverage there for a couple of hours, with Stuart Bingham 14-11 ahead in the final. Can he finish off the job tonight? Make sure you do not miss anything for what promises to be an exciting evening. We will be back just before 19:00 BST for the final session.

Our television coverage has just focused on Steve Davis's attempts to recreate the black ball finish to the 1985 World final, with a range of celebrities trying to cut the black in. Davis's miss let in Dennis Taylor to win the best final in World Championship history.

Let it go, Steve. Let it go.

A pregnant Rebecca Adlington misses the ball altogether, Joey Essex, he of The Only Way is Essex fame, misses as he sends the black all around the table.

Comedian Josh Widdicombe fails, as does opera singer Russell Watson. But there is success for Pointless co-presenter Richard Osman. He cuts the black in and celebrates just like Dennis Taylor.

So there you have it. Richard Osman is a better snooker player than Steve Davis.

"It's a dangerous time for Stuart; you don't want to start getting ahead of yourself. There's a long way to go and I'm sure Shaun will come out tonight all guns blazing. It's important that the people around him keep him on an even keel."

Antileen: Amazing session of snooker, Bingham at his very best, could be a thrilling end tonight.

Andrew Scullion: What a position Stuart Bingham has put himself in. Incredible session. All he needs to do is keep his game together.

"The way Stuart Bingham has played to win the session 6-2 is phenomenal. It is one of the most watchable and enjoyable finals I can remember and he has played a huge part in that. You don't want to be working your victory speech out just yet. There is a long way to go.

"Where Shaun Murphy can be dangerous is that some of the pressure can come off him a bit. The way he pots long balls he can still have a big say in this final."

That miss on the green could be costly. It enables Stuart Bingham, who, let's not forget, has been 3-0 and 8-4 behind yesterday and started the day 9-8 down, to take the final frame.

He goes into the final session with an 14-11 lead. He said he has dreamed of winning the world title. He needs four more.

Well, that didn't last long. Seven scored from Murphy, a green to roll into the middle pocket, but it stays out and Bingham closes in on a three-frame lead.

"Come on Shaun", shouts a fan as Bingham, now 58 up, misses a yellow off the spot.

Last frame of the session and Stuart Bingham should be looking at the scoreboard saying 14-11. It may well do later on, but not yet.

He misses a red with the rest. A very vital 10 minutes coming up for Shaun Murphy. He is 57 behind and having to play safe with 83 on the table.

"The legend Jimmy White is around at the Crucible today, taking in the action of the World Championship final.

"He, of course, famously never won the title having lost in the showpiece event a record six times. The Whirlwind looked in good spirits, smiling for pictures and signing autographs from adoring fans back stage."

"This is great. I am loving it. Sometimes you don't like watching others play but this is like a boxing match. You hit me, I'll hit you back harder. There's not a lot of safety play.

"As we said, Stuart will have been happy how he got out after yesterday but Shaun will be equally happy if he gets out 13-12 here."

Now if Stephen Hendry says it a great match, then you know you are witnessing something special.

John Parrott said it was a massive frame for Shaun Murphy. And how he responds. He is digging deep, and fighting hard. His break of 84 wins it.

Any plans for tonight? Cancel them. This is going to be all the entertainment you need. We have one more frame this afternoon. It will either be 14-11 to Bingham or 13-12.

"Shaun Murphy has two massive frames now. At least one of them has to be his. He is under pressure because Stuart Bingham is playing the match of his life on the biggest snooker day of his life. You can't ask much more than that."

Andy Clayton: Very entertaining. Can't believe how well Stuart Bingham's coping with the pressure. Should be a great final session this evening.

Ben Johnson: Bingham is like fine wine, maturing with age, what a matchplay performance. Go Bingham. Do this.

Charlotte Green: Just tuned into the snooker. What a turnaround from Bingham!! Come on lad let's have a new winner.

Where have you been Charlotte, we've been here for ages?

"To be frank, I didn't think Stuart was that good. I knew he was a heavy scorer and capable of winning tournaments but to do it here - he's going to have a lead going into the final session. It's an incredible performance."

Two frames left in this session and a maximum of 10 frames in the final session this evening. Eighteen is the winning post.

Just when Shaun Murphy thought he was getting back into it, Stuart Bingham races ahead once more. A top-class, high-quality final continues with a break of 87.

We are at the early stages of the 23rd frame. Bingham at the table.

Some reaction to our interview with snooker supremo Barry Hearn.

Martin Warren: Very impressed with Barry Hearn's vision of snooker for the next five years, particularly with a Home Nations tournament fair play.

Marcus Stead: This is a very good time to be involved in snooker. It's not a good time to be an idiot. The game doesn't owe anyone a living.

Jimi Schuler: More tournaments :) more snooker on the telly, fair play.

A much-needed frame for Shaun Murphy. That is his first frame of the day and closes the gap to two.

Murphy needs to get back into this match quickly. And a rapid 59 is a perfect way to start.

More from World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn on BBC Sport: "There will be a few sob stories. The guys who lose, who were more protected in the past. They are talking to the wrong person. Sport is brutal.

"Complacency is not in our dictionary and we are pushing ahead. We are a global sport that is growing every month of the year. There is no limit to where we can go. We can all be very optimistic. This game is at the dawn of a new era."

Last week Hearn announced a new five-year plan for snooker, with new events in Glasgow, Belfast and Manchester, while the tour prize money will also increase from £8m this season to £8.5m in 2015-16 and £10m in 2016-17.

World snooker chairman Barry Hearn on BBC Sport: "Five years ago I had a call from some of the players asking me to come back. I don't do chairmanships, I do control because I am a control freak. I looked at snooker and was saddened by the predicament it was in. There was no vision, no energy.

"You have to smash things up sometimes to start again. We've delivered to the most important people; the players. It is a level playing field based on ability. No favours, no handouts. Some of the guys who have won now would never have been given a chance under the old system."

A few years ago, the future of snooker looked bleak. There were only half a dozen ranking events, with players going weeks, maybe months without competitive action.

The man who has changed that is World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn. Our television coverage has had a fascinating interview with the boss of snooker.

Jake: Stuart Bingham deserves to win this after beating Ronnie and Judd. I can't explain how much I'd love to see him win this.

Matt Lloyd: What an amazing mini-session from Bingham, in total control. Lots to do from Murphy if he's to retain any chance of winning.

Jamie McDonald: Happy to see that momentum is with Bingham. Fair play to him. I love his attitude.

It has been a fantastic tournament. And it is not over yet. Are there going to be more twists and turns in the final? The players are back out. And off we go again.

And Ding Junhui forgot he was on a maximum and played for the blue instead.

Not just from the players, but the fans as well.

We have had wardrobe malfunctions.

We have had smiles.

World Snooker's scoring system fell apart with an anti-virus message popping up instead.

Stuart Bingham has surprised us and entertained us on his way to the final.

We have had Ronnie O'Sullivan playing in his socks.

Time to look back at some of the memorable moments from this year's tournament and our television coverage.

"Shaun will hope the interval has come to his rescue, just to get him out of there, because if it had carried on with the way he's playing at the moment, Stuart would be running away with this.

"He's so much on top and Shaun looks a little bit at sea, and his shot selection is a bit weird today. Just try and make it a bit easier and get yourself a foothold. He's got to find something from somewhere. He must win the next mini session at least 3-1 - 2-2 wouldn't be great."

"Stuart Bingham's dressing room is a lot more peaceful than Shaun Murphy's will be. Shaun Murphy showed the first bit of emotion when he missed that red in the last frame.

"He looks bemused in his chair. He doesn't know what has hit him. The interval has come at a good time for him, though. He's still in it. There is a long way to go and he just needs to get some long pots in."

Mid-session interval time. Although Stuart Bingham would have loved to have been able to continue. Shaun Murphy has some time to compose himself again and sort himself out.

Yesterday Stuart Bingham looked finished at 8-4 behind. He has now won eight of the last nine to lead 12-9. Played four today, won four today. Shaun Murphy would be quite happy to press the reset button and start today again.

This Charming Man: Bingham is playing incredible snooker once again. Murphy really needs to up his game and cut out the mistakes.

James Parrish: I think Shaun is folding. He's gone!

Jay Shaw: Amazing how many times the momentum can swing in a match of this distance. Impossible to call a winner here.

Can Stuart Bingham become number 18?

But Shaun Murphy is given a lifeline as Bingham misses a red into the corner. However, Murphy, known as the Magician, will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to win this one as he comes to the table 50-1 behind.

Remember, Shaun Murphy started the day ahead. Now he is two behind. And that could soon be three.

"So close yet so far for Stuart Bingham as he misses the final red on a 147 break. Agonising. The crowd knew from early on what was coming and held their breath, but 'Ballrun' didn't quite get the luck when he needed it."

"I've never known a tournament like this when I've seen one player dominate a round and look like the eventual winner and then be on the back foot the next. This is someone [Stuart Bingham] who has never won a home-soil ranking event and he is playing like this. It is a phenomenal performance."

We have never had a maximum in the final. Stephen Hendry got down to the yellow before after scoring 125 in the 1996 final. Which I'm sure he is delighted to be reminded about by our host Hazel Irvine.

"A fantastic effort from Stuart really," says Hendry. "It was pinpoint position the whole way through the break and really unlucky with the final cannon there. The form that he's showing here today is just incredible."

Unlucky. That last red stays out. But what a great effort for a maximum.

Shaun Murphy can only watch on. This could be Crucible immortality (sort of) for Bingham. We are up to 14 reds, 14 blacks. The cue ball is very, very close to the last red. The colours are mainly on their spots. This shot is crucial.

The fans are praying. Bingham has potted 12 reds, 12 blacks, but needs something special with one red on the side cushion.

NotYourAverageMaria: I want Bingham to get this maximum more than anything in the world.

Right, this is getting serious. Get everyone in around the television now. Right now. Ten reds, nine blacks. Bingham on a maximum. Press play at the top of this page. And watch.

Seven reds, seven blacks. Bingham is up to 56.

Five reds, five blacks from Bingham. A maximum? It couldn't happen, could it?

Remember 18 is the magic number for the target. Whoever gets there is the world champion.

Antileen: Six of the last seven frames! Underestimate Bingham's quality at your own peril, great start today.

Conor McF: Stuart Bingham off to a flying start playing some great stuff. Would love to see him go all the way.

"It looks like Stuart really believes he can win this match today. Last night he got back into it but today he has a purpose."

It has taken him until the 19th frame, but Stuart Bingham is now in front. He was 3-0 and 8-4 behind yesterday. Now he has the lead. But will he hold on to it?

"Can you believe it? I never expected that. Stuart Bingham was concentrating so hard on getting a good angle on the black that he just nicked it to the side of the pocket."

And Bingham should wrap up the frame. But does not do so. On the last red and using the rest, Bingham leaves the ball hanging over the corner pocket.

A shake of the head for Bingham. Are the nerves kicking in? Murphy then misses a tricky one as he tries to roll the red down the cushion.

"Psychologically, this would be a huge frame for Stuart Bingham to win because Shaun missed that easy red when he looked set."

There is not much love on Twitter for Shaun Murphy's red suit.

Mark Batham: I see Shaun Murphy is mastering the art of camouflage by blending in with the carpet.

PC P: Murphy is wearing the Iron Man suit today. Hopefully he will be Iron Man to win the Championship!

Oohs and aahs from the crowd as Shaun Murphy makes a rare error as he misses what looks a routine red. Well, what he would call a routine red. He is 32-0 up in the 19th frame, but that was a frame-winning chance.

"Stuart plays the game the right way. I was watching the session last night and it is my type of snooker, players making big breaks from one chance. It is one of the best finals I've seen in a long time."

Flynn: Stupidly agreed to a day's overtime today, following the live text until I get home. Come on Stuart.

James Parrish: I can't believe it. Bingham is just going to overpower Murphy and bully him out! Murphy no long game.

Natalie Reeves: Stopping everything to watch final day. Will be a lovely story if Bingham wins.

"Hugely impressive. We said at the start of the match that the one thing Stuart Bingham has as an advantage is that he is a scorer. This is the business end today and he is hitting it at the right time."

We saw some amazing snooker yesterday and it has continued already today. A cracking long red gets Stuart Bingham started and Murphy is stuck to his seat for the rest of the frame. One chance, but only one needed. A break of 87 brings us level again. It is 9-9.

"What a start for Stuart Bingham. He has that cue ball on a string at the moment, placing it wherever he wants."

Chris Clay: This is what bank holidays are all about. Hoping for a thrilling final good luck to two great smiling players.

Chris Pye: Routing for Shaun Murphy here, never been a Bingham fan but both players are on fine form from what I've seen.

A first chance of the day for Stuart Bingham to score heavily. He is 30-4 up and well placed among the reds.

Some, er, fetching red trousers from Shaun Murphy today, but disappointingly the black and white shoes, which so many of you enjoyed yesterday, are nowhere to be seen.

"What a wonderful atmosphere when both players entered this theatre. What a session of snooker to finish last night with both playing at the top of their game. This will be such an important session in how it is going to pan out."

A great reception as both players are introduced to the crowd.

"If you can play like you're in the final of the club handicap like Stuart Bingham has, you've absolutely nailed it.

"When you're the favourite like Shaun Murphy, there's an added layer of expectation that can sometimes weigh heavy on you."

Jake Cooke: It's my brother's 21st today and we made this cake for him. He is called Jamie Cooke from Barrow in Furness.

So Shaun Murphy leads Stuart Bingham 9-8, but holding an overnight lead after the first day doesn't necessarily guarantee victory.

Judd Trump was 10-7 up against John Higgins at the end of the first day's play in 2011, but then lost six frames in the third session before going on to lose 18-15.

It was the same situation last year when Ronnie O'Sullivan held a 10-7 lead over Mark Selby, before the Jester From Leicester (yes, I know, a shocking nickname) fought back to win 18-14.

We are live on BBC Two so press the play button at the top of the page to watch all the live coverage (UK only).

There are clearly some Star Wars fans in the World Snooker office if these pictures are anything to go by.

On May the fourth, the World Snooker Twitter page, along with some use of Photoshop, has Stuart Bingham as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Shaun Murphy as Luke Skywalker.

So as always we want your thoughts, comments, jokes and observations. Get in touch with us by leaving a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page or tweet us using the hashtag #bbcsnooker.

Make us laugh or make a wise comment and your words will appear on this page. So what are you waiting for?

"This was the scene at the Crucible Theatre on Monday morning as fans queued to try and get their hands on the golden ticket; a seat for the conclusion of the World Championship final.

"On the baize, it was a spectacular first day, as Stuart Bingham came back from 3-0 and 8-4 down to end the second session just one frame behind 2005 champion Shaun Murphy.

"Nobody expected him to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan or Judd Trump, so can he actually complete a fairytale finish and become the oldest first time champion since the 1940s?"

Good afternoon. Hope you are well. Well, here we go again. Welcome to BBC Sport's live text commentary from the final day of the 2015 World Snooker Championship.

Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham were both in great form yesterday in a high-quality, thrilling day of snooker. But who will be celebrating this evening?

Thirty years ago Dennis Taylor beat Steve Davis on the final ball of the last frame to win the 1985 World Championship in what is widely-regarded as the best snooker match of all time.

Since then, the world final has only gone into a deciding frame on two occasions - 1994 and 2002.

But after a thrilling first day there is only one frame between Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham and we may well be in for an absolute classic.

There can only be one winner. There can only be one champion.