Lei Peifan Edges Mark Allen in Scottish Open Semi-Final

Mark Allen faced a heartbreaking defeat in the semi-finals of the Scottish Open, losing 6-5 to Lei Peifan, who made a stunning comeback from 5-2 down. Allen initially led the match with breaks of 73 and 97 but faltered after winning two consecutive frames, allowing Peifan to win four frames in a row. This victory marks Peifan's first appearance in a ranking tournament final, where he will compete against compatriot Wu Yize, who advanced by defeating Xiao Guodong 6-4. Yize also showcased resilience, overcoming a 4-2 deficit and securing a break of 115 in the ninth frame. The final will see both young players vying for a £100,000 prize and the Stephen Hendry Trophy, while Allen misses a chance for his 12th ranking title. His strong performance throughout the tournament included numerous centuries, underlining his potential despite the disappointing exit.