Mark Allen survived a spirited comeback from China’s Zhou Yuelong to win the English Open in a final-frame decider and declare his first rating title in 19 months.
Northern Eire’s Allen led Sunday’s remaining in Brentwood 6-2 and 7-3 earlier than Zhou roared again to win 5 consecutive frames and lead for the primary time.
Former world primary Allen, nevertheless, confirmed his personal powers of restoration to win the final two frames and win 9-8 in a remaining that lasted seven hours over two classes.
It’s Allen’s twelfth rating title and first because the Gamers Championship in February 2024.
With Sunday’s victory, 39-year-old Allen earned the £100,000 prime prize and lifted the Steve Davis Trophy for the primary time.
It was a becoming finish to the week for the previous UK Championship and Masters winner, who additionally edged out Stuart Bingham, Ding Junhui, Elliot Slessor and Jak Jones in final-frame deciders to succeed in the ultimate.
“I assumed Zhou battled actually exhausting in that second session, he performed some good things,” stated Allen.
“He put me below strain, I missed a number of balls and I used to be nervous. I missed a number of that I should not have however at 8-7 I immediately switched on a bit.
“It is a good trait to have. I do not wish to preserve counting on it however I felt pretty much as good as any a part of the match in these final two frames, however I really feel for Zhou, he most likely deserved that for the character he confirmed.”
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