Key Highlights
- Mark Allen defeated Jordan Brown 5-2 in the quarter-finals of the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open.
- The match highlighted the rivalry between two local favorites, with a “strange atmosphere” despite support from fans.
- Allen will face Judd Trump in the semi-final at the Waterfront Hall on Saturday evening.
- Zhou Yuelong defeated Tom Ford 5-4 to advance to his eighth ranking event semi-final.
The Rivalry of Mark Allen and Jordan Brown
Mark Allen’s victory over fellow Northern Irish player Jordan Brown in the quarter-finals of the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open was not just a game but a reminder of their long-standing friendship turned fierce rivalry. The match, held two days ago at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, saw Allen manage to put aside personal feelings and focus on his performance.
Allen described the atmosphere as “strange” due to mutual support from fans for both players. Despite the difficulty of beating a close friend, Allen managed to secure a 5-2 win, securing his place in the semi-finals and advancing towards a potential third title at home.
The Match-Up: A Struggle with Moments of Glory
The match began with a break of 101 by Allen, but Brown quickly responded with a century of his own to level the score. The third frame went in favor of Allen, who then trailed 57-20 before missing the penultimate red ball, allowing him to fall behind 3-1. Brown’s excellent play saw him pull one back with an impressive 120 break but missed a chance in the sixth frame and was ultimately overtaken by Allen’s clear shot of 71.
Allen expressed his relief at winning over his best friend, noting that he always supports Jordan.
He praised Brown for his efforts, acknowledging that if it had gone to 4-3, Brown would have been confident given his abilities. However, Allen stated that he focuses on his own performance and does not let personal relationships affect his game.
The Road Ahead: Semifinals and Beyond
Mark Allen’s next opponent in the semi-final is world number one Judd Trump. Allen highlighted his positive record against Judd and expressed excitement about facing him, knowing that Judd brings out the best in his performance. The match will take place at 7 PM on Saturday evening.
Zhou Yuelong also progressed to the semifinals with a hard-fought win over Tom Ford.
Zhou’s victory marks his eighth ranking event semi-final and comes as he aims for his first title, along with aiming to reach his fifth final this season. His performance showcased determination despite playing without optimal touch.
Both players are competing for their place at the top of the BetVictor Series rankings, with a £150,000 bonus up for grabs for the leading money winner across four events. This competition underscores the high stakes involved in these tournaments and the intense focus required to succeed.
Conclusion
A Reminder of the Spirit of the Game
The match between Mark Allen and Jordan Brown serves as a reminder of the complexities of professional sports where personal relationships can coexist with fierce competition. As Allen prepares for his clash with Judd Trump, fans eagerly anticipate what will be another thrilling event in the world of snooker. The journey ahead is filled with opportunities for both players to demonstrate their skills and potentially claim victory at one of the most prestigious tournaments on the calendar.
