Ursenbacher shines as Switzerland edge Scotland at Championship League

Alexander Ursenbacher completed the only victory in Group 26 to reach the last 32 of the Championship League at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.

On a day when Scotland and Switzerland drew 1-1 at Euro 2024, it was the talented player nicknamed ‘Federer of the Baize’ who emerged triumphant ahead of Scotland’s 2006 world champion Graeme Dott and former Indian Open champion Matthew Selt.

After two 2-2 draws with Dott and Selt, Ursenchbacher eased to a 3-0 win over Florian Nuessle to leave himself on the cusp of progress boosted by a 121 break against Dott in his tournament opener.

Dott and Selt both produced fine century breaks in a 2-2 draw, Dott with 106 to lead 2-0 and Selt responding with 119 in the fourth frame, but their third draw of the section was not enough as Ursenbacher progressed by two points.

He was joined in the second group phase by former World Seniors champion David Lilley, who powered to three straight wins in Group 27 over Liam Graham (3-0), Paul Deaville (3-0) and Yuan Sijun (3-1).

Meanwhile, new world champion Kyren Wilson begins his campaign on Thursday in Group 1 against Daniel Womersley, Scott Donaldson and Baipat Siripaporn with Iran showman Hossein Vafaei facing Josh Mulholland, Louis Heathcote and Manasawin Phetmalaikul in Group 14.

There is £33,000 on the table for the winner plus a spot in the Champion of Champions later in the year which is worth another £12,500 for qualifying.