Judd Trump defeats Leeds potter David Grace on way to next round

The most important results came off the table – with confirmation that the round of Covid-19 testing had yielded no positive tests.

A statement from the organisers said: “Matchroom Multi Sport is pleased to confirm that, having completed COVID-19 testing of all 35 staff and Monday’s eight players over the weekend, all personnel have tested negative.

“All staff and players were throat and nose swab tested on arrival and remained in isolation until the results were confirmed. Players taking part on subsequent days will be tested the day before they are scheduled to play.”

On the table, reigning world champion Trump brought some familiarity back to the baize after 78 days of shutdown.

Trump took an understandably rusty first frame and then eased into his work, finishing up swiftly as his opponent failed to convert a couple of openings.

As soon as the players departed a thorough cleaning process began, reflecting the new protocols that allow behind-closed-doors sport to take place during a pandemic.

Elsewhere in Group 2, Elliott Slessor followed up with a 3-1 win over Daniel Wells before the latter shared a 2-2 draw with Grace. Group 13 was also in action, with Stuart Carrington taking the first match 3-1 against Zak Jones.

David Gilbert then claimed four points from back-to-back outings, seeing off Jackson Page 3-0 before drawing with Jones.

Trump was up against Slessor in what looked a group decider, with the top seed stealing the first frame from an unpromising position.

Trump eventually triumphed 3-1 to reach the next group stage, while later in the evening, Gilbert bagged the first century break of the tournament.

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