PERRY INTO WINNERS' GROUP

JOE PERRY, who won the inaugural Championship League title in 2008, required only 27 minutes to beat Judd Trump 3-0 and qualify for the winners’ group of the 2014 event at Crondon Park golf club in Essex tonight.

Perry, the world no.14, made breaks of 73, 68 and 70 to complete the rout and win group 2. He had beaten Neil Robertson 3-2 in the semi-finals.

“I am really glad to get through and win the group - it was a tough group with strong opposition so it is really good to have topped the group, especially as I came in at late notice as a favour to Matthew Stevens,” Perry told Matchroom Sport.

“I go on to the Masters next in a good frame of mind. Obviously this doesn’t count towards that but to go there in good form and good frame of mind can only put me in good stead for next week.”

Robertson compiled five century breaks in the group, taking his tally for the season to 65. This means he has broken Trump’s record of 61 centuries in a single season, set during the 2012/13 campaign.

The Championship League continues with groups 3 and 4 from January 20-23.