Chris Wakelin Shines with Stunning Breaks to Storm into Last 32 of Championship League, Joined by Unstoppable Joe O’Connor
Chris Wakelin displayed a vintage performance in the opening stage of the Championship League, showcasing the form that carried him to the World Championship quarter-finals in April. His strong play was highlighted by impressive breaks of 136, 75, and 68, which helped him secure the top spot in Group 5, ensuring his progression to the last 32 of the competition. Wakelin, who had previously upset top-tier players like Neil Robertson and Mark Allen during his World Championship run, proved his consistency once again with a performance that many had come to expect from him after such a remarkable run at the Crucible.
Joining Wakelin in the next phase of the Championship League was fellow Crucible qualifier Joe O’Connor, who enjoyed an unbeaten day of his own in Group 16. O’Connor, the World Open finalist, was in excellent form, racking up breaks of 116, 96, 75, and 65, which helped him secure three straight victories, including a 3-1 win over Andrew Pagett. His dominant display across the group stage earned him top spot, ensuring his passage into the next round.
Meanwhile, Wakelin’s journey to the last 32 will see him face tough competition in Group E, where he will go up against Lui Hongyu, Ricky Walden, and David Gilbert. This next phase will undoubtedly test his form, but his recent performances show that he’s more than ready to rise to the occasion.
The Championship League, running from June 30 to July 23, is structured with 32 groups of four players, each vying for a place in the knockout rounds. As the group stage nears its end, the competition intensifies, with the winners of each group advancing to eight subsequent groups, eventually leading to the final on July 23. With a £33,000 prize and a spot in the prestigious Champion of Champions event up for grabs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For players like Wakelin, this represents a significant opportunity to add to their season’s achievements, with eyes now firmly set on the next round.
