Mark Allen delivered a remarkably engaging performance, overcoming a resilient challenge from Wu Yize to clinch a 6-4 victory that propels him into the quarter-finals of the UK Championship. This gripping encounter unfolded late at night within the prestigious Barbican venue in York, showcasing Allen’s experience against the burgeoning talent of Wu.
At the start of the match, Allen, a former world number one, demonstrated his intent with a commanding performance in the opening frame. Even with the need for three attempts to pot the final ball, the Northern Irishman swiftly communicated his prowess with his long-range potting and effective safety play, sending an early warning to his 21-year-old challenger, Wu. As Allen executed a superb long pot early in the second frame, he effortlessly built a break of 82, leaving Wu looking stern and contemplative as he sat in his chair.
Though Allen’s current season has not been particularly remarkable, he appeared invigorated in York. A promising lead of 50-0 in the third frame faced a sudden twist of fate when he accidentally potted the cue ball after colliding with a stray red. This incident proved pivotal, allowing Wu to capitalize on Allen’s misfortune. The young Chinese player showcased his impressive break-building abilities, navigating through the table with remarkable precision to halve Allen’s lead.
Demonstrating a competitive spirit, Wu swiftly recovered to level the match at 2-2, highlighted by a stunning break of 117 that marked him as a force to be reckoned with. The fourth frame presented a stark contrast in style; this round morphed into a tense, scrappy battle, lasting longer than the previous frames combined. Allen’s experience came to the forefront as he clawed his way back to contend with Wu, who, however, displayed remarkable patience and tactical skill. The young talent claimed a third consecutive frame, seriously undermining Allen’s momentum and creating a psychological advantage.
The intensity of the match escalated as Wu initiated frame six with an impressive long red, tapping into his solid safety play to construct a robust break of 73. With Wu seemingly on the verge of victory, Allen recognized the need to shift the dynamics and held his nerve, potting a long red to create an opportunity. Showing his formidable skills, Allen navigated a break of 110, his highest of the tournament so far, to inch closer to Wu, now trailing 4-3.
Frame nine proved exceptionally crucial for Wu after Allen inadvertently pocketed the cue ball into the middle pocket, granting Wu a promising opportunity with several loose reds. However, uncharacteristically, he missed a straightforward black, which proved to be a costly misstep. Sensing the opening, Allen seized the moment with impressive cue ball control, executing a break of 73 that enabled him to level the tie at 4-4.
As the ambiance heightened at the Barbican, Allen’s confidence surged. His stunning shot on a long red electrified the audience, and when Wu faltered on a subsequent shot, Allen capitalized, making an audacious century break that shifted the match in his favor. The highlight of the match came in the final frame, where Allen executed a magnificent red shot, as described by commentator Alan McManus, sealing the anticipated victory. Despite narrowly missing out on a third ton, Allen secured his fourth consecutive frame, culminating in a memorable win that set the stage for a quarter-final clash with the talented Jack Lisowski, who triumphed over Ali Carter with a 6-4 scoreline of his own.
For snooker enthusiasts eager not to miss out on the action, live streaming options are available on platforms such as Webpressnews and discovery+, promising to keep fans engaged with top-tier snooker festivities. Allen’s tenacity and skill not only highlighted his own capabilities but also served to elevate the competitive landscape of the UK Championship, setting a thrilling precedent for subsequent matches.
