The new season started three days ago with the Riga masters 2017 qualifiers. Neil Robertson is the defending champion and, as such, his first match is held over to the venue. Judd decided to sit this one out. All three remaining Grove players won their qualifying match and will join Neil in Riga. They certainly weren’t handed an easy season opener. Jack beat Mark Allen by 4-3 from 2-0 and 3-1 down. Luca got the better of Shaun Murphy: he won by 4-2. Oliver Lines faced Yuan Sijun and prevailed by 4-3.