Today saw the action resume at Crondon Park as the third group of the 2011 Championship League got underway and it was a good day for Shaun Murphy and Ali Carter who each won three of their four matches…
Ali Carter has become somewhat synonymous with this competition during the last few years, regularly appearing during the group phases and again he looks set to qualify for the semi-finals following victories over John Higgins, Mark King and Shaun Murphy. The latter though was not to be disheartened by his early defeat and himself won his next three matches to finish level with the Captain on three points at the head of the group.
Behind the front two, Peter Ebdon having played a match less looks well placed with two wins, including a repeat of his Masters victory against Carter. For some reason I never expect Peter to shine in this competition but last year he was excellent, seemingly knocking in century breaks for fun and his form this year has been so far, so good.
Each of the remaining four players currently stand on one point a piece, Stuart Bingham, John Higgins and Mark King having played three matches while Masters finalist Marco Fu has played four to leave him as favourite to head out of the event following tomorrow’s action.
Still though, nobody is out of the running yet and as ever in this competition it remains hard to pick a group winner.
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