Reigning champion Allen knocked out in Masters opener

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01:03

For the opening round of the 2019 Snooker Masters in London, world number 14 Luca Brecel knocked out the defending champion, Mark Allen of England, 6-5 to cue up the action at the Alexandra Palace. The Belgian now awaits the winner between China's Ding Junhui and Englishman Jack Lisowski.

After falling behind 3-1, Allen battled back to take the next two frames, with a break of 136 leveling the contest at 3-all. Brecel tops that with a 140 to go 4-3 in front. And the "Belgian Bullet" is soon a point away from the win at 5-4.

But the defending champion wouldn't go down without a fierce fight. Allen leveled things at 5-all to set up a decisive 11th frame.

Mark Allen prepares to strike a ball during the Masters 2019 First Round in London, January 13, 2019. /VCG Photo

The 22-year-old extended his advantage after sinking the red in the side and wrapped up the match with a break of 58 to complete a 6-5 victory, moving him into the last eight.

Right after Mark Allen's defeat, Welshman Ryan Day completed a day of upsets to defeat John Higgins 6-5 in the first round at Alexandra Palace.

Higgins finished with a 128, the highest break of the match, to clinch the decisive frame.

Masters 2019 First Round games:

Ding Junhui vs Jack Lisowski

Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Stuart Bingham

Mark Selby vs Stephen Maguire

Judd Trump vs Kyren Wilson

Barry Hawkins vs Shaun Murphy

Mark Williams vs Neil Robertson