Mark Allen suffered a comeback loss against Lei Peifan at the Scottish Open (Image: Getty)
suffered an agonising defeat against Lei Peifan in the Scottish Open semi-finals despite being miles ahead after seven frames.
In a race to six, Allen took a 3-0 lead in Edinburgh and then built up a 5-2 advantage, forcing Lei to win the next four frames to stay in the tournament. And that is exactly what the 21-year-old did, leaving his Northern Irish opponent to lick his wounds after missing out on the chance to fight for a £100,000 top prize.
Despite the brutal nature of his defeat, Allen showed his sportsmanlike nature with a classy statement on social media despite his semi-final running late into the night.
“One that got away tonight,” . “Home for 24hrs then off to Saudi. No rest for the wicked. Best of luck to Lei and Wu [Yize] in the final.”
World No 84 Lei will do battle with fellow young Chinese competitor Wu Yize in Sunday’s Scottish Open final. Whereas Wu has recent experience of a ranking final, having lost an English Open showdown to Neil Robertson in September, Lei had never previously made it to the quarters of a ranking tournament.
Allen was therefore a massive scalp for the youngster, who has twice had to contend with losing his tour card since turning professional in 2019.
Lei Peifan faces Wu Yize in the Scottish Open finale (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
It is back to the drawing board for Allen, who racked up a hoard of century breaks in Edinburgh en route to the semis. But not for long, with the world No 5 soon jetting off to the Middle East for the lucrative Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.
The tournament will feature a special golden ball which, if potted after a maximum break, will net one lucky player a £790,000 cash prize and make them the first in history to notch a 167.
Allen made it to the semi-finals in the first edition of the event in March. And despite the controversy surrounding Saudi’s growing involvement in snooker, the 38-year-old has no reservations about continuing to compete.
“It’s another opportunity to go and win a snooker tournament,” he said. “I don’t get involved in any of the politics, no matter where I play. It’s just the way I am. I’m here to provide for my family and my family’s future and get more money. That’s all I’m worried about.”