Mark Allen’s pursuit of a long-awaited World Snooker Championship title continues to gain momentum after he secured a hard-fought 13-11 victory over Barry Hawkins at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The Northern Irishman, now 40 years old, is edging closer to making history as he aims to become the oldest first-time world champion in the modern era of the sport.
Allen has already established himself as one of snooker’s elite players, having won two of the sport’s prestigious Triple Crown events—the UK Championship and the Masters. However, the World Championship has remained the one major title missing from his collection. Despite 19 previous attempts at the Crucible, he has yet to lift the trophy, making this year’s campaign particularly significant.
His latest victory over Hawkins has earned him a place in the semi-finals, marking only the third time he has reached this stage of the competition. The match itself was a closely contested and high-quality encounter, reflecting the skill and determination of both players.
The match resumed with the score level at 8-8, setting the stage for a tense and competitive final session. Allen made a strong start, winning the first two frames of the morning session to gain a slight advantage. However, Hawkins, a former World Championship finalist, responded impressively with breaks of 70 and 83, demonstrating his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
As the match progressed, both players continued to exchange frames, keeping the outcome uncertain. The quality of play remained exceptionally high, with each competitor showcasing precision, tactical awareness, and composure. Allen, in particular, produced a crucial moment of brilliance by compiling his third century break of the match, allowing him to edge ahead 12-11.
The deciding stages of the match were filled with drama and tension. In the final frame, Allen seized control with a break of 59, putting himself in a strong position to close out the match. Hawkins, however, was not ready to concede and attempted to create an opportunity by playing a snooker. In a twist of fate, he fluked a red ball, briefly raising hopes of forcing a decider.
Despite this moment of fortune for Hawkins, the pressure ultimately told. His attempt to secure a snooker on the pink fell short, allowing Allen to regain control. The Northern Irishman capitalized on the opportunity, maintaining his composure to seal the victory and secure his place in the semi-finals.
After the match, Allen admitted that his primary emotion was relief. He acknowledged the high standard of play from his opponent, noting that Hawkins had produced an impressive 14 breaks of 50 or more during the match—a remarkable achievement in itself. Allen recognized that overcoming such a strong performance highlighted the level of his own game.
Reflecting on the contest, Allen described the second session as one of the best he had ever been involved in, emphasizing the exceptional quality of snooker displayed by both players. He also spoke candidly about the emotional rollercoaster of the final frame, particularly the moment when Hawkins fluked the red ball. Allen admitted that his heart sank at that point, fearing the possibility of a deciding frame.
However, fortune ultimately favored Allen when Hawkins failed to execute his shot on the pink. Allen revealed that internally, he was celebrating the moment, recognizing the opportunity to finish the match. He then produced a composed performance to pot the yellow and close out the frame.
As he looks ahead to the semi-finals, Allen is increasingly confident in his ability to finally capture the World Championship title. Having already achieved success in the other Triple Crown events, he believes there is no reason why he cannot add this prestigious trophy to his collection. His mindset reflects both determination and belief, qualities that will be crucial as he prepares for the next stage of the tournament.
Allen’s semi-final opponent will be either Wu Yize or Hossein Vafaei, with their match set to determine who will face him in a best-of-33 contest. The semi-final promises to be another challenging test, as Allen aims to continue his impressive run and move one step closer to the title.
Should Allen go on to win the championship, he will set a new record as the oldest first-time winner in the modern era of the sport. This achievement would surpass the previous record held by Stuart Bingham, who won the title in 2015 at the age of 38 years and 343 days.
Such a milestone would not only highlight Allen’s longevity and consistency but also serve as a testament to his perseverance. Despite numerous attempts and near misses, he has continued to compete at the highest level, demonstrating resilience and dedication to his craft.
The Crucible Theatre, known as the iconic venue of the World Snooker Championship, has witnessed many memorable moments over the years. Allen’s current run has the potential to become one of those stories, particularly if he can go on to lift the trophy for the first time.
For Allen, the journey to this point has been marked by both success and frustration. While he has enjoyed victories in other major tournaments, the World Championship has remained elusive. Each year, he has returned with the belief that he could win, and this year appears to be no different.
As the tournament progresses, Allen’s performances suggest that he is in strong form and capable of competing with the best. His ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, as demonstrated in his match against Hawkins, will be a key factor in his quest for the title.
The semi-finals represent a crucial stage, where the intensity and stakes are even higher. Allen will need to continue producing high-quality snooker and maintain his focus if he is to advance to the final.
For fans of the sport, Allen’s journey adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. His pursuit of a first world title, combined with the possibility of setting a new record, creates a compelling narrative that will be closely followed.
As he prepares for the next challenge, Allen remains determined to make the most of this opportunity. With his experience, skill, and belief, he is well-positioned to continue his run and potentially achieve a career-defining victory.
