Mark Williams sizzles to coast through to Championship League snooker last 32, Barry Pinches also advances

Mark Williams got the new season up and running in fine style by winning Group 6 at the Championship League in Leicester on Friday. The three-time world champion opened his account for the new campaign, the 32nd of his professional career, with a 3-0 win over Daniel Holoyda, a late call-up to replace Thor Chuan Leong, before completing a 3-1 win over Ken Doherty and a closing 3-0 victory over fellow Welshman Dylan Emery.

Ad Last season's Masters finalist progresses to the second group phase of the season's first ranking event at the Morningside Arena next month. Snooker'I'm delighted' – Wilson makes strong start to season at Championship LeagueA DAY AGO Williams finished the day with two centuries and six breaks over 50 in winning nine frames with a vintage display that oozed class.

The world No. 10 was joined in the last 32 by veteran Norwich cueman Barry Pinches, who remained unbeaten in topping Group 29 courtesy of wins against Julien Leclercq and Joshua Thomond, who replaced Marco Fu, and a 2-2 draw with Jordan Brown.

World No. 1 Ronnie O'Sullivan is due to return to action on Monday, July 10 and has been drawn in Group 1 alongside Scott Donaldson, Rod Lawler and Alfie Burden, who was successful in regaining a fresh two-year tour card at Q School earlier this month.

Masters winner Judd Trump meets Jimmy White, Reanne Evans and Xu Si in Group 2 on Tuesday, July 11 while Tour champion Shaun Murphy takes on Tian Pengfei, Lukas Kleckers and Andrew Pagett in Group 4 on Wednesday, July 12. Championship League latest group winners Group 3: Ashley Carty (Eng) Group 30: Daniel Wells (Wal) Group 11: Martin O'Donnell (Eng) Group 21: Chris Wakelin (Eng) Group 10: Michael White (Wal) Group 22: Robbie Williams (Eng) Group 5: Kyren