Mark Allen triumphed over defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and Belgium’s Luca Brecel to win the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship. This victory marked Allen’s first title of the season, solidifying his place as one of the top contenders in snooker. In a dramatic semi-final, Allen defeated O’Sullivan 4-2, showcasing remarkable skill and composure under pressure.
The final match later that evening was no less thrilling. Although Brecel won the opening frame, Allen quickly responded with a magnificent 104 clearance to level the match. With a break of 109 in the fourth frame, Allen took a 3-1 lead. He then continued his dominance after the break, winning the next two frames to seal a commanding 5-1 victory.
Allen expressed his relief after the final, admitting that he was nervous during the last few frames. “I was very nervous in the last few balls. I am happy to get over the line,” Allen said. He added, “You are never there until you’re there. I played some good stuff all week.”
Brecel, the 2022 World Champion, had a great run to the final, defeating Mark Williams 4-2 in the semi-finals. However, he was unable to stop Allen’s form in the final, despite winning the opening frame. Allen’s 104 and 109 breaks were the highlight of his performance, and the £250,000 prize pot was a well-earned reward for his efforts.
O’Sullivan’s semi-final clash with Allen was a much tighter affair. O’Sullivan took the first frame, but a missed red in the second frame allowed Allen to claw back, eventually leading 3-1. O’Sullivan fought back, winning the fifth frame, but Allen sealed the match with a brilliant clearance, ending O’Sullivan’s hopes of retaining the title.
For Allen, this victory marks a major milestone in his career, and he’ll look to carry this momentum into the rest of the season. With performances like these, he’s sure to remain a formidable force in the world of snooker.
