Astley And Liu Complete Stage Two Line-Up
John Astley and Liu Hongyu secured the final two spots up for grabs at Winners’ Week of the BetVictor Championship League Snooker – Ranking Edition at the Morningside Arena, Leicester live on Viaplay Xtra in the UK, and broadcasters worldwide including Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland, and the Netherlands and Table 2 live on Matchroom.Live globally.
Astley opened with a 3-1 win over Thailand’s Mink Nutcharut, making breaks of 128 and 79. He then drew 2-2 with Ma Hailong which meant that his final match against Gary Wilson would decide the group. BetVictor Scottish Open champion Wilson had drawn his first two matches so needed a win, but Astley got the better of the Georgie derby by a 3-1 scoreline to secure his place in phase two next week.
China’s 19-year-old Liu, embarking on his debut season as a professional, opened his campaign with a superb 3-1 victory against seasoned campaigner Ricky Walden, making a top break of 75. Liu then beat David Lilley 3-0 and Peng Yisong 3-1 to make it three wins out of three and top his group.
BetVictor Championship League Snooker returns on Monday, 17th July with stage two. Kyren Wilson headlines Group E on table one, while three-time world champion Mark Williams headlines Group F on table two.
Watch BetVictor Championship League Snooker – Ranking Edition on Viaplay Xtra – FreeView in the UK and Ireland. Those in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Netherlands, and Poland can watch live on Viaplay whilst Matchroom.Live is available to those without a broadcaster. See where to watch here.
The BetVictor Championship League Snooker – Ranking Edition carries a first prize of £33,000 and the winner also securing a spot in the 2023 Champion of Champions set to take place in Bolton from November 13-19 live on ITV.