Ryan Day and Neil Robertson both progressed to the second group stage of the BetVictor Championship League ranking event as the 2024/25 season got underway in Leicester.
The opening tournament of the season runs until July 3rd. In the initial phase, 128 players are split into 32 groups of four, with those 32 group winners going through to the next round.
Drawn into Group 11, Day won his opening match against fellow Welshman and 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 ensuring top spot in the group with a fine display against Marco Fu, compiling runs of 125, 72 and 85 to win 3-0.
Australia's Robertson needs a strong start to the season to climb back into the top 16 having dropped to 28th, and the early signs were good as he topped Group 21. After an opening 2-2 draw with Zach Richardson, former World Champion Robertson improved in a 3-0 defeat of Ka Wai Cheung then came from 1-0 down to beat Jamie Clarke 3-1 with top breaks of 70 and 93.
The action continues on Tuesday with Mark Williams among the quartet in Group 4, while Chris Wakelin is the highest ranked cueman in Group 17. For details of how to watch, click here.