Good memories and good form.
Mark Allen is a phenomenal snooker talent, however without this good run in the World Open he was staring at a possible qualifier for a place at the World Championships in five weeks.
It was in Haikou two years ago he went on one of his many twitter rants about the venue & the surrounding area, however in riling himself up, he produced some of his best snooker and won the tournament. Last year there was none of the previous rants but the high quality snooker remained and he defended his title.
This season he has hardly set the world alight, so when his need was at it's greatest he has summoned his form from nowhere and is now in tomorrow's semi finals. Talent isn't a problem, application and motivation I couldn't say however there have always been up and down players in the game, he has the feel of a Matthew Stevens, will have a few exceptional tournaments but will we be left feeling disappointing when the dust settles on his career. I hope more than anyone that this is incorrect, I find him one of the most engaging characters in the game and his on table action is among the best our sport has to offer.
So tomorrow he will face Shaun Murphy, who has re-gained his confidence - the key to Murphy's attacking game. I would fancy Allen to win after today's self-assured display against Higgins. However the big questions isn't about this weekend with Mark Allen, it'll be about the following three tournaments and whether he will go back into his shell or continue his good form?
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