Jack Lisowski has beaten Matt Selt yesterday evening in the final of the (traditional) 2022/23 Championship League Group 1. He’s the first player to qualify for the final group.

Here is the report shared on the event web site:

JACK LISOWSKI WINS GROUP 1 OF 2023 CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE SNOOKER INVITATIONAL

Jack Lisowski has won Group 1 of the 2023 BetVictor Championship League Invitational at the Morningside Arena in Leicester live on Matchroom.Live in the UK and Ireland, Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland, and the Netherlands as well as other broadcasters worldwide.

The world number twelve headed into day two of the competition with three wins from four knowing not much more would be needed to secure a group playoff place. Lisowski’s eventual opponent in the final Matthew Selt had much more work to be done though with the Essex cueist getting the better of Jordan Brown in the afternoon session to lock up a playoff spot.

In the evening group semi-finals, Lisowski saw off Brown 3-2 in a heavy scoring match that saw four 50+ breaks whilst Ryan Day and Selt locked horns in another final frame decider.

When it came to the group final, Lisowski made the quicker start to take the opening two frames including his fifth century of the group in the second frame to be one away from Winners’ Group. Selt got to the table and responded in fine fashion with a contribution of 87 to pull one back. Lisowski was 30 in front in what proved to be the last frame with Selt given a chance at the table. A brief safety exchanged ensued that saw Lisowski go in off on two separate occasions before getting the job done.

Lisowski said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. I think I’ve been playing some good stuff. I had a great time. I really enjoy these events. I am happy to get the job done but equally, I wouldn’t have minded coming back tomorrow and going again in Group 2. It’s good match practice and now I need to focus on the Masters. I will get ready for the complete change of scenery. I am scoring well and I am enjoying my snooker. It’s just my safety and these tournaments do show that up. THere’s definitely room for improvement on that side. I’m scoring well and having fun though, I am happy.”

“I think these formats sort of suit me. There have been some surprise winners of this tournament over the years. It’s a great chance for me to keep plodding away and hopefully be that guy, there are great incentives at the end of it (2023 Champion of Champions spot).”

Stuart Bingham had a fine second day to recover from three straight losses yesterday to ensure a return in Group 2 tomorrow after wins over Jimmy Robertson, Day, and Lisowski. For Robertson, it was the end of the road with one win from six and he was joined by Ali Carter who failed to get things going on to exit with two points to his name.

Here is how it all developed: