Mark Allen’s battles on and off the snooker table during 2011 UK Championship
Final encounter of the 2011 UK Championship was a show of superb snooker skills from both contenders, Judd Trump and Mark Allen. The pair had a tussling encounter from the start, which ended in Trump’s favour despite a strong comeback from Northern Ireland’s
Mark Allen. Regardless of losing in the final, Allen feels satisfied with his performance throughout the tournament.
Allen started his 2011 UK Championship campaign brilliantly at the York Barbican Centre. On the table, he began with a superb victory over Adrian Gunnell by the score line of 6-3, while off the table; he was up against none other than the world snooker chief,
Barry Hearn, in a verbal brawl. The Northern Irishman criticised Hearn for changing the format of the UK Championship.
However, the Pistol carried on with his good form and surged into the quarter-finals against Hong Kong’s Marco Fu after beating Ali Carter 6-2 in the second round. He was in splendid form at the baize next to Fu and was able to win the match 6-5 after a
close fight.
The 25-year-old surged into the semi-final stage with high hopes. He met England’s Ricky Walden in the penultimate match. Both cuemen went neck and neck until Allen made his mark with a scintillating 9-7 win, as he clinched the last frame 74-6 to hit the
final spot against Judd Trump.
Allen was excited to be in the final and played with all his might and skills but unfortunately, Trump played better than him and won the title. Showing great sportsman spirit, the Antrim potter appreciated his opponent and told the press that he was happy
with his form in the event.
Speaking to the local media after the final, Allen said, “In the middle part of the match he played so well. I didn't do that much wrong, and suddenly I was 8-3 down. It shows how good he is, he is the man of the moment. I just tried to believe in myself
and wait for a chance. I got back into it, and in the end I went for a red which was the only one I could leave, and it ended up over the pocket.”
The 2011 UK Championship runner-up added, “I came here to win the tournament and I haven't done that, but at least I got over the semi-final hurdle. I have showed that I can handle the big occasion and that stands me in good stead.”
As far as his tussle with Hearn off the snooker baize is concerned, Allen is still standing with the critical comments he made about the snooker boss. Allen, turning 26 in coming February, believes whatever he has said about the world snooker chairman is
true and he owns it.
Allen said that Hearn did not keep his promise about not changing the format of Triple Crown, the Masters, the UK Championship and the World Snooker Championship. He added that Hearn has come to the world snooker only to make money for himself and he does
not care about players.
Hearn, on the other hand, explained that he changed the format with the consensus of the players. He believes that with his initiatives, the game’s ratings have gone up and more and more viewers are coming to watch the game. He said that he has no time to
listen to some silly comments made by a silly boy.
Furthermore, Hearn has decided to take legal action against Allen. World Snooker’s disciplinary committee will be investigating the matter to take further action.
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