Championship League snooker: Luca Brecel edges past Jack Lisowski; simple for Mark Joyce

Lisowski looked to hold all the aces after his 3-0 defeat of Oliver Lines was followed by Brecel's 2-2 draw with Robbie Williams, but those scorelines were repeated as Brecel beat Lines 3-0 and Lisowski this time fluffed his lines.

With the two big-hitters of the group tied on points and frame difference, it was Brecel who held the advantage heading into their meeting, owing to the fact that his 138 break against Lines was the highest in the group.

Players are separated first by points, then frame difference, followed by head-to-head, with highest break next - in effect, this left Brecel needing only a draw, unless Lisowski managed to match his high break.

After taking a tight first frame, Brecel was now in full command and though a stylish 104 break from Lisowski levelled the scores, Brecel managed to scrap his way to frame three as both players began to feel the tension.

Lisowski looked set to take it the distance having cruised his way to a 58-0 lead, but after his break came to an end, Brecel stepped in to seemingly plot his own path to victory - only to miss a straightforward brown and leave a simple chance for his opponent.

But Lisowski faltered, missing a thin blue after a poor positional shot and then a much easier one. This time, Brecel stood tall and potted the final three balls to all but seal top spot.

Needing heroics, Lisowski came out all guns blazing in the final frame but it was Brecel who struck first, a break of seven suddenly significant as it left him needing just one more red to advance.

A lax safety from Lisowski handed Brecel the opportunity to take care of business and he duly took it - with another break of seven - before the final frame descended into something between exhibition and farce.

After a series of small exchanges and carefree attempts, and an absurd in-off from Brecel, Lisowski took it to ensure he would exit the competition without losing a match.

Joy for Joyce

Group 3 went to Mark Joyce, who had done enough with successive 3-1 victories over Mark Davis and Michael Holt to render the outcome of his final match, against Louis Heathcote, inconsequential.

Joyce rattled off breaks of 71, 58 and 55 to come from behind and beat Davis, and was always in command over Holt after a break of 72 to start the match.

When Holt lost to Davis, who had earlier surrendered a 2-0 lead in a draw with Heathcote, it was confirmed that Joyce would top the standings.

Tuesday's results and standings

Group 9

1. Luca Brecel (Q) P 3 W 1 L 0 D 2 FD +3 Pts 5
2. Jack Lisowski P 3 W 1 L 0 D 2 FD +3 Pts 5
3. Oliver Lines P 3 W 1 L 2 D 0 FD -3 Pts 3
4. Robbie Williams P 3 W 0 L 1 D 2 FD -3 Pts 1

• Brecel wins group thanks to high break of 138 v Lines

Jack Lisowski 3-0 Oliver Lines

Luca Brecel 2-2 Robbie Williams

Luca Brecel 3-0 Oliver Lines

Jack Lisowski 2-2 Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams 0-3 Oliver Lines

Jack Lisowski 2-2 Luca Brecel

Group 3

1. Mark Joyce (Q) P 3 W 3 L 0 D 0 FD +6 Pts 9
2. Mark Davis P 2 W 1 L 1 D 1 FD +1 Pts 4
3. Michael Holt P 3 W 1 L 2 D 0 FD -2 Pts 3
4. Louis Heathcote P 3 W 0 L 2 D 1 FD -4 Pts 1

Mark Davis 1-3 Mark Joyce

Michael Holt 3-1 Louis Heathcote

Michael Holt 1-3 Mark Joyce

Mark Davis 2-2 Louis Heathcote

Michael Holt 1-3 Mark Davis

Mark Joyce 3-1 Louis Heathcote