The 2006 world champion is currently ranked sixth in the world

The Scot trailed 3-2 at one stage but managed breaks of 73, 56 and 43 to set up a meeting with either Anthony Hamilton or Tom Ford.

"It's a very tough first-round match to be drawn against Stuart, so I'm delighted to have won," said Dott.

Also in the first round, Stephen Lee beat Michael Judge 5-2 and Tom Ford beat Anthony Hamilton 5-4.

Local favourite Tony Drago beat England's Lee Spick in a qualifying round, but another Maltese player Joe Grech lost 5-1 to David Roe, who will next face Peter Ebdon.

Bingham, had breaks of 54, 52 and 68 to push Dott hard but last season's Crucible winner was not to be beaten.

After a long safety battle in the eighth frame, the Scot finally edged his way over the winning line.

Dott admitted: "It was a massive turning point to get back to 2-2. I had a really big fluke and, at the time, I thought the match was turning in his favour.

"But after going 3-2 down I played a lot better. I'd love to do well here, it's a great tournament.

"I thought the match was slipping away, but I made sure I didn't throw it away."

Andrew Higginson (Eng) 5-3 Simon Zammit (Mlt)
David Roe (Eng) 5-1 Joe Grech (Mlt)

First round results

Graeme Dott (Sco) 5-3 Stuart Bingham (Eng)
Stephen Lee (Eng) 5-2 Michael Judge (Ire)
Anthony Hamilton (Eng) 4-5 Tom Ford (Eng)

First qualifying round result

Tony Drago (Mlt) 5-3 Lee Spick (Eng)