Mark Allen secured his place in the semifinals of the Northern Ireland Open by defeating Jordan Brown 5-2. The match took place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, showcasing two competitors from Antrim. This victory sets Allen up for a semifinal encounter against England’s Judd Trump.
Match Overview
Allen, currently ranked eighth in the world, faced stiff competition. He started strong, achieving a break of 101 to win the opening frame. However, Brown responded impressively, executing a break of 131 to equalize the match in the second frame.
Tactical Play and Key Breaks
The third frame was marked by strategic play, with Allen ultimately claiming the lead. He extended his advantage in the fourth frame. Brown fought back, making a break of 120 to win a frame, but Allen’s consistency shone through as he sealed the victory in the subsequent frames.
Post-Match Comments
Following the match, Allen expressed his mixed feelings about competing against Brown. He noted, “I was relieved to get over the line. It was not a lot of fun playing Jordan.” He acknowledged the support from the crowd, emphasizing the unique atmosphere due to their shared background.
- Mark Allen: World number eight
- Jordan Brown: Competitor from Antrim
- Match Result: Allen 5 – 2 Brown
- Key Breaks:
- Allen: 101, 72 (two frames)
- Brown: 131, 120
Allen praised Brown’s skill, mentioning the missed opportunities that could have changed the match’s outcome. “If it had gone 4-3, he would have been confident,” he added, expressing confidence in Brown’s talent.
Upcoming Semifinal
In the other quarter-final, Judd Trump also won decisively, defeating John Higgins 5-2. Trump’s 13 consecutive victories against Higgins in ranking events highlight his dominance. Although he lost the first frame, he quickly regained momentum with breaks of 93 and 82.
Trump’s performance culminated in a closing break of 121, advancing him to his first semifinal of the season, where he will face Allen.
As anticipation builds for this clash, fans will surely be eager to see how these top players, both skilled and familiar with each other, perform at the Northern Ireland Open.
