The Englishman is bidding to win the tournament for a fourth time after previous successes in 2009, 2014, and 2016.
Judd Trump is through to the last group stage of the Championship League after topping Group A on Monday in Milton Keynes.
The world number one beat Robert Milkins in his opening round-robin fixture before a 2-2 draw with Ryan Day left him on four points – two behind the unbeaten Barry Hawkins.
The latter had been in superb form up until that point, winning both of his encounters 3-0 with the aid of a hat-trick of century breaks, including a magnificent 143 total clearance.
Hawkins required only a single point against Trump, but the recent English Open champion shifted through the gears and compiled a timely brace of tons of his own in sealing a comprehensive 3-0 win.
Trump has a strong Championship League record and will bid for a record fourth crown – albeit the first time as a ranking event – on Friday when the overall champion will be determined.
“It’s nice to just try and qualify for the @ChampOfChamps as many times as possible. Next year I want to take every single place” 😆@judd147t reacts to making it through Group A and making Finals Day of the @BetVictor Championship League Snooker 👏#ChampionshipLeagueSnooker pic.twitter.com/rBluKu36H0
— Championship League Snooker (@CLSnooker) October 26, 2020
Meanwhile, Group C was also completed with China’s Zhao Xintong sealing first place with the same points tally.
The improving 23 year-old’s first fixture with Alexander Ursenbacher finished all-square, but Zhao lost only one more frame as he followed up a 3-1 defeat of Luo Honghao with a decisive 3-0 ousting of former world champion Stuart Bingham.
Hoping to join Judd Trump and Zhao Xintong in stage three of the Championship League will be Shaun Murphy and Mark Selby, who feature in Groups B and D respectively on Tuesday.
Live coverage continues on FreeSports and Matchroom.Live.
Click here to view the draw – Times in CET (External Site)
