2020 Matchroom Championship League – Group Stage 11 Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
What is the 2020 Matchroom Championship League? The Championship League is a non-ranking event that has taken place since 2008 and, while being a sought-after title in its own right, also serves as a qualifier for the Champion of Champions.
It will be the first competitive snooker to take place since the tour was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic and there will be several safety measures in place such as social distancing and virus-testing.
When is the 2020 Matchroom Championship League taking place? The 2020 Matchroom Championship League will take place June 1-11.
Where is the 2020 Matchroom Championship League taking place? The 2020 Matchroom Championship League will take place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, England.
What is the prize fund for the 2020 Matchroom Championship League? The total prize fund amounts to £200,000 with all competitors guaranteed at least £1000 and the winner pocketing £30,000.
Who is taking part in the 2020 Matchroom Championship League? All 128 World Snooker tour card holders were invited to take part in the 2020 event, with the final line-up consisting of the top 64-ranked players from those who registered their interest. Many of the world’s top players are involved, although there are some notable absences such as John Higgins, Mark Williams and Shaun Murphy.
What is the format of the 2020 Matchroom Championship League? The 64 entrants will initially be split up into 16 groups of four. Those groups will be played in a round-robin format with two groups to be played to completion on each day from June1-8. Matches will be best of four frames, with three points for a win and one for a draw. If players are tied on points, then frame difference, head-to-head result and highest break will be the separators (in that order).
The 16 group winners will advance to the Group Winners’ Stage, consisting of a further four groups of four. These groups will take place June 9-10.
Those four winners will then compete in the final group – the Tournament Finals – on June 11 where the 2020 Matchroom Championship League winner will be crowned.
Where can I watch the 2020 Matchroom Championship League? Both ITV4 and Eurosport will be providing daily televised coverage from the event for viewers in the UK, with live streaming available on ITV Hub and Eurosport Player.
Free streaming is also available across the Americas, Asia and Africa on MatchroomLive – a new sports streaming platform.
Where can I get tickets for the 2020 Matchroom Championship League? No tickets are available for the event as it will be taking place behind closed doors.
When is the 2020 Matchroom Championship League Group Stage 11 taking place?
Monday 8th June, 2020
GROUP STAGE 11
PLAYERS
Nigel Bond
Michael White
Martin O'Donnell
Mark Allen
FIXTURES
Mark Allen vs Martin O'Donnell
Mark Allen vs Michael White
Mark Allen vs Nigel Bond
Martin O'Donnell vs Michael White
Martin O'Donnell vs Nigel Bond
Michael White vs Nigel Bond
PREDICTION
You could make a case for any of these four players topping the group; Nigel Bond is one of the most experienced players on the tour and rolled back the years by reaching the quarter-finals of the UK Championship this season, Michael White is a multiple tournament winner and an excellent break-builder on his day, Martin O’Donnell has consistency on his side and is close to his all-time career high ranking and Mark Allen has reached six semi-finals this season and is a danger in any tournament he enters.
Preference goes to Allen though. The Northern Ireland potter has had an excellent season despite not yet winning anything and produces a higher level than the other three competitors on a more consistent basis. He also has a winning head-to-head record against each of his Group 11 rivals and that should give him an additional psychological edge.
BETTING TIPS
Mark Allen to win the group
Martin O’Donnell to beat Nigel Bond
Martin O’Donnell to win the first frame against Michael White