Mark Allen Wins BetVictor English Open 9-8

Mark Allen claimed his 12th ranking title by winning the BetVictor English Open in Brentwood, edging China’s Zhou Yuelong 9-8 after a dramatic final. He had built leads of 6-2 and later 7-3 before Zhou reeled off five successive frames to lead 8-7, but Allen recovered to take the final two frames, sealing victory in a tense 17th frame; the match lasted around seven hours over two sessions. The win — highlighted by a 132 break earlier in the final — was his first ranking success in 19 months, earning him the £100,000 top prize and the Steve Davis Trophy. Separately, at the British Open Allen progressed with back-to-back 4-1 victories over China’s Jiang Jun and Hungary’s Bulcsu Revesz (the latter including breaks of 60 and 69) and is due to face Wales’ Mark Williams in the third round, while fellow Antrim player Robbie McGuigan will meet Ben Mertens.