Mark Allen Reaches World Championship Semi-Finals | Defeats Barry Hawkins

Mark Allen defeated Barry Hawkins 13-11 in a thrilling match at the World Snooker Championship, securing his place in the semi-finals for the third time in his career. The victory came after a tense battle at the Crucible, with Allen ultimately prevailing after a nail-biting finish.

The match saw Allen reach the semi-finals after previous appearances in 2009, and 2023. After sealing the match, Allen expressed a significant sense of relief, acknowledging Hawkins’ strong performance throughout the contest.

“it was just a huge sense of relief, because Barry played really well,” Allen said after the match. “Parts of the match were played at an incredible level, so this win shows where my game is at right now. Last night’s second session was one of the best I’ve ever been involved in.”

Mark Allen

The session began evenly, but Allen quickly gained the upper hand, capitalizing on early mistakes from Hawkins. However, Hawkins responded strongly, leveling the score with breaks of 70 and 83. He was fortunate during the latter break, with a red ball dropping into the corner pocket after a missed attempt.

Allen then demonstrated his skill and composure, producing a century break of 104 under pressure. This crucial break put him ahead, but Hawkins continued to fight back, sharing the next two frames with smaller breaks.

The final frame of the match was particularly dramatic, showcasing the high level of competition between the two players. Allen ultimately secured the frame and the victory, advancing to the semi-finals.

Allen acknowledged feeling nervous during the final stages of the match but was able to pot crucial balls when it mattered most. He emphasized the significance of the win, highlighting the quality of his performance and the challenge posed by Hawkins.

“I was a bit nervous today, but I managed to pot some important balls.”

Mark Allen

The victory marks a significant achievement for Allen, solidifying his position as a top contender in the World Snooker Championship. He will now face a challenging semi-final opponent as he aims to compete for the title.

The match was described as a “thrilling” encounter, with both players demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. Allen’s ability to perform under pressure and capitalize on opportunities proved to be the deciding factor in the closely contested match.

Allen’s progression to the semi-finals underscores his consistent performance throughout the tournament. His victory over Hawkins is a testament to his dedication and skill, setting the stage for an exciting semi-final showdown.

The Northern Irishman took advantage of a shaky opening from Hawkins, who missed several chances in the first two frames. Allen edged the frames on the colours, establishing an early lead in the session.