On July 15, 2023, Beijing time, the first phase of the Snooker Champions League ended the first stage of the group stage, the round of 32 was officially released, and 7 Chinese players successfully advanced, namely Zhou Yuelong, Xiao Guodong, Cao Yupeng, Liu Hongyu, Long Zehuang, Pang Junxu, and Si Jiahui. Pro newcomer Liu Hongyu came on the last match day of the first stage, but he made a big upset, defeating champion Rich Wharton 3-1 and eventually advancing to the round of 32 with a complete 3-win result, making a perfect professional debut.
On the last matchday of the first stage, three Chinese players appeared. Ma was in Group 9, and his opponents included Gary Wilson, Asteri and Wan Halutai. Obviously, Gary Wilson is the favorite to advance. However, Asteri rose to prominence, finishing first in the group with 2 wins and 1 draw, advancing to the round of 32. Ma Hailong won three draws and finished second. Gary Wilson is third with 2 draws and 1 loss, and Wan Harutai is also at the bottom of the table with 2 draws and 1 loss.
In Group 14, two Chinese players competed together, namely professional newcomer Liu Hongyu and Peng Yisong, who joined the professional team last season. In addition, the group also has ranked tournament champion Rich Wharton, veteran world champion David Leary, it should be said that Rich Walton is the favorite to advance to this group. However, Liu Hongyu came up with a 3-1 Nickridge Wharton, and broke out a big upset.
Subsequently, Liu Hongyu continued his efforts, sweeping David Leary 3-0 and beating Peng Yisong 3-1, winning all three games in his professional debut, ranking first in the group and advancing to the round of 32. David Leary ranked second with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss, Rich Wharton ranked third with 2 draws and 1 loss, and Peng Yisong ranked bottom with 1 draw and 2 losses. Three Chinese players appeared on the closing day of the first stage, and in the end, only Liu Hongyu managed to break through.
At this point, the first stage of the group stage is all over, the round of 32 is officially released, and 7 Chinese players are among them, that is, Zhou Yuelong, Xiao Guodong, Cao Yupeng, Liu Hongyu, Long Zehuang, Pang Junxu, Si Jiahui. Liu Hongyu and Long Zehuang are both newcomers in the professional competition, and their debut performances are very good. After the release of the top 32, the second stage grouping was also determined, and the specific grouping situation is as follows:
Group A: Michael Holt, Ben Wollaston, Xiao Guodong, Zhou Yuelong
Group B: Trump, Joe Perry, Matthew Stevens, Yupeng Cao
Group C: Ashley Carty, Daniel Wells, Sankham, Liu Hongyu
Group D: Tachaia, James Cahill, Sean Murphy, David Gilbert
Group E: Kyren Wilson, Chris Worklin, Anthony Hamilton, Lin Shanfeng
Group F: Mark Williams, Martin Oldnell, Robbie Williams, Barry Pinches
Group G: Long Zehuang, Michael White, Jack Jones, Sam Craigie
Group H: Pang Junxu, Robert Milkins, Scarfar, Asteri