The China Open 2017 last 128 round was played in Preston from January 24 to 27, 2017. All players who entered needed to win one match to book their spot in the main event to be played in Beijing in March 2017. Neil didn’t enter the event. Judd has his match held over because he is the defending champion. All other Grove players were involved: Zhang Anda, Yu Delu and Li Hang are through to the last 64 and China bound. Zhang in fact beat Oliver Lines. And James Cahill …

Neil and Judd were the only two Grove players involved in the prestigious tournament, held in Alexandra Palace, London, from 15 to 22 January 2017. Judd lost by 6-5 in the last 16 to an inspired Marco Fu, Neil went one better but lost by 6-3 in the QF to Ronnie O’Sullivan, the Defending Champion and eventual winner.