Liam Pitchford got off to a winning start at the WTT Star Contender event in Doha, overcoming Denmark’s Jonathan Groth in three straight.

The England No 1, who is seeded seventh, was in charge throughout most of the match, though he did have to shake off a stubborn opponent who his ranked 39th in the world.

He saw a few game points saved in the first, before clinching it 16-14, then took an effective time-out after seeing a 10-5 lead in the second reduced to 10-8.

He was always in front in the third and closed out a 3-0 (16-14, 11-9, 11-7) victory.

Next up is Lim Jonghoon of South Korea (WR 48) in the last 16 tomorrow.