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.

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion and BBC Sport expert

"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?

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion and BBC Sport expert

"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.

Dennis Taylor
1985 world champion and BBC Sport expert

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

Image source, Getty Images

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.

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion and BBC Sport expert

"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.

John Parrott
1991 world champion and BBC Sport expert

Image source, Getty Images

"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."