Mark Allen’s stunning maximum in Cheltenham was capped off by a brilliant plant double (Image: WST)
Mark Allen at the British Open – but one pot in particular had fans purring. The Northern Irishman had already made headlines in Cheltenham, having claimed the because of their alleged poor quality.
But Allen put those comments to one side as he achieved a maximum in the west country. Having beaten Gary Wilson and Aaron Hill to reach the last-32, the 38-year-old matched up against Belgian teenager Ben Mertens.
The two tussled during the first frame, with Allen coming away a tight victor. As the second began, the Northern Irishman ramped things up – producing one of the shots of the season so far.
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Seeing off black after black and red after red, Allen was in the groove but looked stumped as he approached a group of tightly packed reds in the middle of the table. However, in something of an exhibition shot, Allen expertly pulled off a stunning double plant. The desired red sank into the middle pocket to keep the break alive.
He carried that momentum forward into the rest of the frame, potting that final black into the top right pocket to give himself a 2-0 frame lead and the fourth maximum break of his career. Fans took to social media in awe of the maximum, with one writing: “It has taken me about 25 views to work out exactly what how he did it. Incredible shot given the frame was still live.”
Another added: “Probably the best shot in a 147 ever and there’s quite a few up against it but taking into account the fact the frame was still up for grabs!”
How magical was this? ??????Here’s the bird’s-eye view of Mark Allen’s impressive 147 earlier today ??????
— ITV Snooker (@itvsnooker)
Mertens immediately pegged Allen back in the next frame, but there would be no resurgence as the world number three rattled off the next two frames, securing a 4-1 victory and the hearts of those in attendance for his exploits.
There was to be no ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ result in the round of 16 as Allen edged past Chris Wakelin to set up a quarter-final tie with Judd Trump, who has come into the new season in scintillating form. The Pistol has had an eventul week in Cheltenham having criticised the event’s snooker tables after his victory over Wilson.
In fiery comments made to ITV, he said: “The conditions out there are absolutely embarrassing. It’s some of the worst weather outside and they’ve left the massive transport doors open. It’s so cold, it’s so humid, out there.
Allen will now face Trump as he bids for British Open glory (Image: WST)
It wasn’t just the weather that came under fire, either. “The table needs to be burned,” Allen continued. “The cushions are unplayable, uncontrollable. It was heavy. The speed was decent.
“There are new guys doing the tables this year and they’re clearly not up to it. I pride myself on preparing properly for tournaments with good conditions and you turn up and you don’t get them. It’s not good enough.”
A spokesperson for World Snooker Tour [WST] responded: “Our table-fitting team has been consistent for some time and works to the highest standards. The weather in the area has seen unprecedented rainfall over the last couple of days which can negatively influence the conditions.
“We have raised the issue of an open door with the venue.”