Ryan Day and Neil Robertson progressed to the second group stage on day one, alongside Mark Williams and Chris Wakelin on day two at the BetVictor Championship League ranking event as the 2024/25 season got underway in Leicester.
Day won his opening match against tour rookie Liam Davies, knocking in a top break of 61 in a 3-0 victory. He then drew 2-2 with Hammad Miah before securing top spot in the group with a fine display against Marco Fu, compiling breaks of 125, 72, and 85 to win 3-0.
Robertson joined the second stage entrants from day one after an opening 2-2 draw with Zach Richardson. The former World Champion improved in the second session with a 3-0 victory over Ka Wai Cheung, followed by a 3-1 triumph over Jamie Clarke with top breaks of 70 and 93.
Among day one’s successors was three-time World Champion Mark Williams, who opened the day with a 2-2 draw against Conor Benzey. Despite an in-off in the second frame, Williams delivered a formidable performance against Fergal Quinn in the evening session, with a 101-century break in the first frame to kickstart his 3-0 win. Williams concluded the day with a swift 3-0 victory against Bradford cueist David Grace, finishing the match with a top 115-century break.
Joining Williams in the second stage was 2023 Shoot Out winner Chris Wakelin, who won his first match 3-0 against Jamaican Rory McLeod. Wakelin proceeded to face Liam Pullen, hitting a century break of 101 in a 3-0 victory, then drew 2-2 with Ian Burns to complete the evening session.
The Championship League is the first ranking event of the new season and was won last year by 2005 World Champion Shaun “The Magician” Murphy. The opening tournament of the season runs until July 3rd. In the first phase, 128 players are split into 32 groups of four, with those 32 group winners advancing to the next round.
The tournament takes place over three stages, starting on Monday, June 10. Winners’ Week will run from Friday, June 28, concluding with Finals Day on Wednesday, July 3. The eventual winner will receive an invite to the 2023 Champion of Champions, taking place from November 11 to November 17, alongside the £20,000 first-place prize.
The action continues on Wednesday, with WST stars Robbie Williams in Group 4, and Elliott Slessor in Group 17 set to open the day. For details on how to watch, click here.
(Photo by Zheng Zhai)
Watch Live at Matchroom.Live
sign up now