In an exhilarating semi-final match at the Scottish Open, Lei Peifan showcased his exceptional resilience and skill, ultimately overcoming Mark Allen with a dramatic scoreline of 6-5. The contest was a classic display of competitive snooker, highlighting Lei’s ability to remain composed under pressure as he secured four consecutive frames to clinch a spot in the finals.
Initially, Mark Allen seemed poised to advance effortlessly with a commanding 5-2 lead, appearing to be on the brink of victory and a subsequent meeting with Wu Yize in the final. His performance was marked by a powerful display, including a flawless break of 73 in the opening frame, which set the tone for his early dominance. However, as the match progressed, Allen’s form began to wane. A series of missed opportunities and burgeoning tension contributed to his shaky performance, which Lei capitalized on with remarkable tenacity.
Throughout the first half of the match, it was Allen’s early prowess that captured attention. After snatching the first frame with a scintillating break, he continued his form in the second, albeit requiring several attempts to eventually seize the frame. His scoring power was evident, but a crucial error in the third frame allowed Lei to find his footing. As he neatly pocketed some key balls, Lei began to shift momentum in his favor, achieving his first frame win after capitalizing on an Allen miss.
The tension escalated notably in the fifth frame, where both players struggled with simple shots. Allen’s notable miss on the green proved pivotal, allowing Lei to step in and clear the table to gain a vital foothold in the match. This win injected much-needed confidence into Lei’s game, which he showcased in the eighth frame when he demonstrated remarkable snooker-escaping skills. With one red left on the table, his ability to maneuver out of tricky situations brought him back into contention. Allen’s mistakes during this passage further compounded his predicament, as he was left scrambling for control.
As the match unfolded, the tension reached a zenith in the ninth frame where Allen’s failure to apply pressure allowed Lei to capitalize on a heavy-handed safety attempt. Displaying skill under duress, Lei made a significant break of 54 and kept Allen needing a snooker. Despite Lei’s earlier brilliance, he missed an initial opportunity that nearly cost him. Yet, he quickly regained his composure, potted a stunning red, and narrowed the gap to 5-4.
As both players approached the final frame, Allen found himself caught in a cycle of hesitations and missed chances. His frustration was palpable when he broke down on a good opportunity early in the tenth frame. On the contrary, Lei seized the moment, showcasing his attacking play with a solid break of 51, sending shockwaves through the arena. The tight competition appeared headed for a dramatic conclusion when Lei fluked the last red of the frame, forcing the match into a decider.
In the deciding frame, Lei asserted his dominance with a spectacular long red that ignited the revival of his game. Although he stumbled on the next color, his spirit remained unbroken. By capitalizing on a second chance, he quickly surged to a commanding 49 before keeping his nerves as Allen tried desperately to withstand the pressure. Ultimately, the moment arrived when Lei found the opportunity to sink a final, decisive red, securing a historic place in his first ranking final.
This thrilling match etched a memorable chapter in the annals of snooker history, as Lei Peifan’s undeterred resolve allowed him to overcome a challenging deficit against a formidable opponent like Mark Allen. His journey in this tournament has captivated snooker fans and will undoubtedly be remembered as a remarkable display of perseverance and skill.
