Robertson impresses on opening day of season at Championship League

Neil Robertson made an unbeaten start to the new snooker season on Monday at the Championship League in Leicester to advance to the last 32.

The 2010 world champion drew his opening match 2-2 in Group 21 with Zack Richardson before completing victories over Cheung Ka Wai (3-0) and Jamie Clarke (3-1) at the Mattioli Arena.

World No. 28 Robertson – who dropped out of the top 16 after failing to qualify for the World Championship in April – produced four breaks over 50 during his three matches to top the section on seven points and progress with Clarke and Cheung finishing the day on four points.

The Australian was joined in the second stage by former British Open champion Ryan Day, who opened with a 2-2 draw against Hammad Miah in Group 11 before enjoying wins over fellow Welshman Liam Davies (3-1) and Marco Fu (3-0) – with his 125 against Fu the highlight of his day.

Robertson confirmed following his win over Clarke that he would be heading to China next week before returning to prepare for the second stage of the Championship League.

Three-time world champion Mark Williams will face David Grace, women’s world champion Bai Yulu and Connor Benzey on the second day of play in Group 4 on Tuesday.

The eight group winners contest a further two groups with the winners meeting in the final.

£33,000 is on the table for the winner plus a spot in the Champion of Champions later in the year which is worth another £12,500 for qualifying.