The English open has become an excellent addition to our calendar as part of the home nations series and with the roll on roll off format of fast paced best of 7s the excitement is non stop.

Kicking off day 1 was the former German masters champion Kyren Wilson who faced a tough opening match against Noppon Saengkham. Wilson raced out of the blocks into a 2-0 lead then stroked in a magnificent break of 129 to lead 3-0. Noppon had the first chance in frame 4 but missed a straightforward red to the left centre and Wilson swooped in with a break of 68 to wrap up a convincing victory.

Another tough opening match saw Stephen Maguire take on Mark King and it was the former Northern Ireland open champion Kkng who won a tense decider to go through. Ding Junhui also returned to action after a prolonged stay in China and he powered to a 4-1 victory over Andrew Pagett.

Judd Trump continued his fine form with a powerful performance against Matthew Selt running out a 4-1 winner.

Barry Hawkins really needed a positive start to this event as his masters place is in jeopardy and he cruised to a 4-1 victory over the ladies world champion Reanne Evans.

Stuart Bingham put his recent poor form behind him with a convincing 4-1 victory over Ng On Yee.

Former English open champion Mark Selby came through a tough match against Sanderson Lam by a 4-2 scoreline

Ronnie O’Sullivan wrapped up the evening session with a 4-1 victory over David Lilley.