Unbeaten Barry Hawkins battles through in Championship League

Barry Hawkins went unbeaten as he topped Group 28 and booked his place in Stage Two of the Championship League in Leicester on Wednesday.

World number 13 Hawkins boasts a solid record in this event, having reached the semi-finals in 2012 and 2017.

The Hawk also reached the Winners’ Group in 2015; compiling a maximum break against Stephen Maguire along the way.

And the three-time ranking event winner looks like he will continue that in 2021 after picking up seven points from a possible nine at the Morningside Arena.

Hawkins made the perfect start against Huddersfield amateur Kuldesh Johal, opening with a stunning break of 107 before further runs of 57 and 59 wrapped up a commanding 3-0 win.

The Kent cueist reeled off another three frames without reply against world number 118 Zak Surety, with contributions of 86 and 65 along the way.

That meant the 2013 World finalist required only a draw in his clash with 2020 Championship League runner-up Ben Woollaston to progress to the next stage.

And despite dropping his first frames of the day, a top break of 93 helped him earn the point that secured top spot.

Meanwhile, Stuart Carrington also registered two wins and a draw on his way to finishing at the summit of Group 2.

The Grimsby cueist made a dominant start against Duane Jones; outscoring the Welshman by 212 points to 17 in a 3-0 win.

The two-time ranking event semi-finalist followed that with breaks of 137 and 84 in a 3-1 success over Michael Judge, who was marking his return to the main tour after a 10-year absence.

As a result, his 2-2 draw with reigning Welsh Open champion Jordan Brown was enough to seal first place and book his place in the second stage of the competition.

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Championship league Snooker 2021 Results

Wednesday July 21

Group 28
Barry Hawkins 3-0 Kuldesh Johal
Ben Woollaston 2-2 Zak Surety
Ben Woollaston 3-0 Kuldesh Johal
Barry Hawkins 3-0 Zak Surety
Zak Surety 2-2 Kuldesh Johal
Barry Hawkins 2-2 Ben Woollaston

Group 2
Stuart Carrington 3-0 Duane Jones
Jordan Brown 3-0 Michael Judge
Jordan Brown 2-2 Duane Jones
Stuart Carrington 3-1 Michael Judge
Jordan Brown 2-2 Stuart Carrington
Duane Jones 2-2 Michael Judge