The Curious Case of Mark Allen

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?

Haikou and Good Night

Mark Allen retains Haikou World Open
 
Yesterday Mark Allen became the 13^th different ranking event winner of the season after defeating Matthew Stevens 10-4 in a one sided final.

The Antrim potter was a big favourite after his exemplary display against John Higgins in the semi finals and he started the stronger racing into a 3-0 lead. The remaining 6 frames were shared as Stevens just about kept himself in the match.

Resuming at 6-3 Allen nicked the first frame and dealt a body blow to his opponent and from there won three of the next four to win the title with relative ease. Allen has shown some signs of maturing this week and has been able to raise his game when it matters and conserve energy at other times of the week. These strengths will be invaluable if he wants to win the marathon of the mind that is the World Championships, which begins in Seven weeks.

The tournament as a whole was very entertaining and there were very few shocks, maybe a sign that the players are really upping their game in the lead up to the Crucible. This event needs to look at ticket prices however as all week it appeared empty, even the final had more empty seats than filled.

There was a return to snooker for ITV who covered the event all week very professionally and it was very nice to hear Clive Everton commentating again on a full ranking event. Hopefully the BBC took notice of the Commentator/Colour Commentator roles that were employed by Everton and Foulds and look at their own commentary situation for the future.

The PTC Finals will take place in Galway on the 12^th of March and Beyond the Baize will cover this event in full.