Mark Allen claimed that luck was a significant factor in his recent victory over three-time champion Mark Selby as he advanced to the semi-finals of the prestigious Masters tournament, held at the renowned venue of Alexandra Palace. Allen’s performance was marked by a combination of skill and fortuitous moments, culminating in a decisive 6-2 win that secured his place in the next round.
The match commenced with an electrifying atmosphere, showcasing a high-scoring duel between the two contenders. Allen, the 2018 Masters winner, quickly took control, executing a break of 81 points in the opening frame. However, Selby, undeterred by the early setback, responded promptly with an impressive 88-point clearance, leveling the match at one frame apiece. This initial exchange set the stage for a contest brimming with skill and competitive spirit.
As the match progressed, Selby encountered a critical turning point in the third frame. After mistakenly missing a relatively straightforward green shot, he inadvertently opened the door for Allen. Seizing the opportunity, Allen not only regained the lead but also marked his 24th Masters century with a solid break, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on his opponent’s errors. This moment highlighted Allen’s prowess and readiness to take advantage of every opportunity presented to him.
Following a series of quick frames, the contest took a turn towards a more extended tactical battle in the fourth frame, which lasted an intense 58 minutes. This lengthier engagement exemplified the back-and-forth nature of high-stakes competitions between elite players. Despite trailing by 63 points, Allen’s determination shone through as he expertly navigated a challenging situation. His perseverance resulted in a stunning 74-71 frame win, giving him a 3-1 advantage as they reached the mid-session interval.
Returning from the break, Selby struggled to regain his rhythm, reflecting the mental strain from the previously challenging frame. Falling victim to a loose break, Selby was unable to convert a straightforward red opportunity, which allowed Allen to swoop in for the advantage. The Northern Irishman continued his momentum, solidifying his position and extending his lead to 4-1 with a decisive win in the fifth frame.
Allen’s confidence grew as he managed to clinch another tense sixth frame, despite missing a routine red that could have put him in a stronger position. The mounting pressure on Selby became palpable as he needed to win the remaining five frames to keep his Masters title hopes alive. Selby finally broke through with his second frame victory, achieving a break of 80 points and narrowing the gap to 5-2, instilling a glimmer of hope in his quest to mount a comeback.
In the eighth and final frame, Allen initially amassed 60 points before Selby found his footing and initiated a valiant effort to battle back. The experienced player sought snookers to keep Allen from sealing the match. However, it was Allen who ultimately capitalized on his opportunities, executing a precise cut on the yellow ball into the middle pocket to finalize the score at 6-2.
After the match, a buoyant Allen expressed his thoughts, noting the luck that seemed to favor him throughout the encounter. “I can definitely say that’s probably the most luck I’ve had in a long, long time. That was ridiculous at times,” he remarked, highlighting the blend of skill and fortune that characterized his performance. Despite his success, he acknowledged the need for continued improvement, stating, “I want to win consistently. I don’t want to just keep getting to semi-finals,” indicating his ambitions to capture more titles.
Looking ahead in the tournament, other matches featured world No. 1 Judd Trump pitted against Ding Junhui and Luca Brecel facing off against Kyren Wilson. Fans were encouraged to watch and enjoy The Masters live on platforms like Webpressnews and discovery+, as drama and excitement ensued at the cherished event.
