Martin Gould is celebrating after claiming the Winners’ Group to secure the 2019 Champions League.

The world number 27 beat fellow Englishman Jack Lisowski 3-1 in the final and that came after Gould saw off two-time defending champion Jack Higgins in the semis, winning 3-0.

Former German Masters champion Gould won £10,000 for his efforts in Barnsley and, more importantly for his career, he has now guaranteed entry into the Champion of Champions later this year.

Gould said: “You get a Champion of Champions spot, which is massive really. I think today I was a little more on it than yesterday. I played well yesterday but today I started with two three-nils.

“I felt really relaxed and, to be fair, I really enjoy this event. I take it as a bit of fun – you’re getting paid to virtually practice and it’s match practice that you could never get anywhere else.

“To win this event, with the players that were in this group, is a great confidence booster for me.”

Gould isn’t among those taking part in this week’s Gibraltar Open, now entering its fourth year on the snooker calendar.

Former winners Ryan Day and Shaun Murphy are among those taking part this year. Day is seeded number one and he starts up against the German Lukas Kleckers. Day is 1.13 to win through, with Kleckers 6.00.

Murphy is already through to the last 64 after Matthew Stevens withdrew and he will play a Welsh opponent next, either Dominic Dale or Elfed Evans.

Legends of the game Jimmy White and Ken Doherty are also in action in Gibraltar, with White (2.63) taking on Robbie Williams (1.44).