David Gilbert won’t be continuing his Championship League reign after propping up the bottom of Group H on Tuesday in Leicester.
The Englishman secured a long overdue maiden ranking event triumph in this tournament last year, and he successfully made his way through Stage One in 2022.
But Gilbert could only manage a single point in Stage Two as he placed last in his latest group of four.
Instead, it will be Xiao Guodong who will be heading through to the final stage of the competition on Friday.
The 33 year-old, bidding for a first ranking title of his own, scored seven points after a crucial 3-1 victory over Michael White at the end of the day’s play.
Xiao becomes the third player from China through to Stage Three following Lyu Haotian and Lu Ning’s progress on Monday.
- Click here: British Open: 2022 draw, preview, where to watch
Meanwhile, Stuart Bingham advanced from Group C after also accummulating seven points thanks to a brace of wins and a draw.
By the time the former world champion had won his opening two fixtures against Ben Woollaston and Jamie Jones respectively, it left the result of his final match largely redundant.
A free-scoring 2-2 draw with Jordan Brown ensured that no player could even finish the day on the same number of points as the Englishman.
On Wednesday, Stage Two continues with reigning world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan back in action in Group A alongside Ali Carter, Yuan Sijun, and Pang Junxu.
In Group D, Zhao Xintong reenters the fray with Mark Allen, Gary Wilson, and Chang Bingyu also involved.
Live coverage is available on FreeSports and Matchroom.Live in the UK and Ireland, and by various other means around the world.
Click here to view the draw (times: CET)
Featured photo credit: WST
