Ding Junhui in action during the first round of the Tour Championship at Bonus Arena in Hull, England, March 27, 2023. /CFP
Northern Irish snooker star Mark Allen has clinched three ranking titles this season, including the UK Championship, where he staged a stunning comeback to outclass Chinese veteran Ding Junhui in the final. However, he failed to repeat the same magic on Monday at the Tour Championship in Hull, England, as Ding got his revenge with an impressive 10-5 win in the first round of the elite eight-man event.
It could have been another reverse for Ding, who lost the first two frames in the opening session in lackluster fashion. But the 35-year-old regained composure to fire off six consecutive frames to move into an 8-3 lead.
The resilient Allen, who dominated this year's World Grand Prix, managed to make the most of a remarkable run to pull it back to 9-5, but a 95 break in the 15th frame saw Ding eventually come out on top and secure a spot in Friday's semifinals.
Mark Allen looks on during the first round of the Tour Championship at Bonus Arena in Hull, England, March 27, 2023. /CFP
"I played well all day, I was very focused and took my chances well," beamed Ding, who continued his rejuvenation after winning the Six Red World Championship earlier this month.
"I was fighting hard. It's great to win a match like this. Mark might be tired because he has won so many tournaments. If he had played tonight like he did in the UK Championship second session, I would have been in big trouble. He had big chances, and it could have been different if he had taken them.
"I am just trying to win more matches to get in to the top 16, but it doesn't matter whether that happens fast or slowly. I am just happy to win the match today."
Ding Junhui (R) shakes hands with Mark Allen after the first round of the Tour Championship at Bonus Arena in Hull, England, March 27, 2023. /CFP
In sharp contrast, Allen could not hide his frustration as the early exit meant he missed the chance to go to the top of the world rankings.
"It's disappointing, I didn't play my best stuff. It was a bad day at the office. I wasn't good enough, you get days like that," he told reporters.
"Credit to Ding because he scored better than me and looked more composed. There's no need to panic, I have had a great season, there's a lot to be positive about. I will get ready for Sheffield now.
"I am looking forward to seeing what kind of animal I can be at the Crucible this time after such a good season."