Championship League Snooker Begins Group 5 Action in Leicester on Day 1

Posted : 19 January 2026

The 2026 Championship League Snooker Invitational swung into action on Day 1 of Group 5 play at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, England, with a full slate of matches opening the battle for progression in this prestigious non-ranking World Snooker Tour event.

The Championship League invitational brings together some of the sport’s top players in a round-robin format, with the aim of topping the group and earning a place in the eventual Winners’ Group later in the season.

Group 5 features a competitive field including former world champions and seasoned campaigners such as Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, and Stuart Bingham, along with rising competitors like Zhao Xintong, Xiao Guodong, and Wu Yize.

English cueist Oliver Lines also joined the group after a late change, stepping in for Kyren Wilson, who withdrew due to commitments in the Masters final. The group stage sees each player face off in multiple best-of-five-frame matches, with the top four progressing to a playoff to determine the overall group winner.

On the opening day, matches unfolded across two tables, with fans treated to tight tactical battles and high-pressure snooker right from the start. Zhao Xintong edged Wu Yize 3–2 in one of the standout early results, showcasing his break-building excellence and cool temperament under pressure.

Meanwhile, Stuart Bingham and Oliver Lines locked in a close contest, both players fighting for early group points as everyone aims to accumulate valuable frame wins in this initial league phase.

Other fixtures saw Mark Selby begin his campaign against both Xiao Guodong and Wu Yize, while Neil Robertson faced off against Zhao and Bingham, adding to the competitive intensity on the first day.

As the group unfolds over the next couple of days, each frame won carries both ranking pride and financial rewards, with players aware that every frame could make a crucial difference in qualification hopes.

Matches continue with the goal of reaching the group play-off semifinals and ultimately earning a spot in the Winners’ Group set for February.

The Championship League’s unique format — mixing round-robin league play and knockout phases — once again delivers plenty of opportunity for established veterans and exciting challengers alike, ensuring that snooker fans in Leicester and around the world remain glued to the tables as the competition builds momentum.

Championship League Snooker Begins Group 5 Action in Leicester on Day 1

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