Former world champion Shaun Murphy comfortably progressed through his group at the Championship League.
The 38-year-old 2005 Crucible winner beat Michael Collumb 3-0 and Chen Zifan 3-1 in his opening two matches at Leicester's Morningside Arena.
That left Murphy needing just a draw against Jamie Jones to top the group, and the contest duly finished 2-2.
Matthew Stevens won his group after wins against Mark King and Ross Muir, in between a 3-1 loss to Andrew Pagett.
The opening stage concludes on Friday before stage two begins on Monday. Irish duo Ken Doherty and Fergal O'Brien have qualified for the second stage after topping their respective groups.
