Mark Allen was accused of sabotage during the UK Championship (Image: Getty)
was accused of sabotaging himself during his tense defeat against Barry Hawkins. The Northern Irishman led 4-2 and 5-4 against Hawkins but failed to pot himself to victory, with his opponent capitalising on his erroneous play.
Steve Davis felt that Allen slowing the match down was the 38-year-old’s own downfall. Allen received criticism from the commentators and pundits for playing too slowly, and he has since called out comments made by fellow pro Shaun Murphy.
Speaking on punditry, Davis said: “It’s tough sometimes playing this game and it does feel like both players are dragging each other down a bit. And it’s just sometimes the balls go [Allen’s] way.
“But question marks on whether Mark Allen [is] slightly sabotaging his own ability by playing a little bit slowly, and maybe Barry Hawkins [is] trying to get free and get a bit of rhythm going.
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“The first person who gets a bit of distance in this match might start to relax, I don’t think either player is really relaxed out there.”
Allen accepted that he deserved to lose at York’s Barbican. Hawkins advances to today’s (Sunday) final, in which he will face Judd Trump.
“I got what I deserved in the end. I didn’t take advantage of the chances I had, and I had quite a few. It’s agonising because I got so close, despite playing poorly,” Allen said.
“Barry was the better player tonight. Only my grit and determination gave me a chance towards the end, but the right person won.
Barry Hawkins will play Judd Trump in the UK Championship final (Image: Getty)
“Losing any Triple Crown semi-final is always hard to take but I think I’ve turned the corner this week. It’s disappointing now, but there are plenty of positives.”
Hawkins seemed to take a shot at Allen’s slow play in his own post-match interview. He believes that his match against Trump will be a much faster affair.
“I just kept trying my hardest,” the 45-year-old told Eurosport. “I’ve not had a good record here over the years. Finally, getting to the final is amazing. I’ve rode my luck here.
“Could have been out against Dave [Gilbert] and then tonight. Judd is a different kind of player, no disrespect to Mark, but it will be a free-flowing match, and it will be amazing to play Judd again. He is an all-time great.”