Allen survives scare to beat Milkins in NI Open

In a see-saw match, Mark Allen won the Northern Ireland Open second round by winning 4-3 over Robert Milkins.

Milkins had a three-game lead before the world number eight responded to level play with a 113 clearance in the closing frame to advance to a meeting with Ben Woollaston.

After Allen replied, Milkins put together a run of 98 to advance once more after taking the break of 70 in the opening frame.

After Milkins missed frame ball, Allen scored the final two points with a clearance before the players exchange frames once more to determine the outcome.

Allen’s century ensured he got past the line after Milkins made a 14-break break before missing a red into a middle pocket.

The Northern Irishman won the English Open in September and has already won the tournament twice in 2021 and 2022 with a straight victory.

Allen compared his performance to chalk and cheese at Monday’s performance at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

According to Allen, “Robot missed an easy one to go 3-1,” I missed a few shots that I shouldn’t have and should have been 3-1 down.

Allen is generally pleased with both his form and the positive influence of his new coach, Chris Henry, who has assisted him this year.

There is a lot to be optimistic about, given that I’ve won a tournament and advanced to the semi-final of another significant event in China, the Wuhan Open.

“Yes, there have been some subpar performances, but many people on tour would beg you to do the same for the season I’ve had so far.

It’s a good sign when you’re winning and competing in events but still unhappy with how your game is playing.

I think we still have a lot to work on, but we’re doing the right things in the practice room, and I’m starting to do better off of it, including returning to the gym and trying to lose some weight, so all of that should work together.

Shaun Murphy, the reigning British Open champion, defeated David Lilley 4-0 earlier on Monday to keep his excellent form.

The world number nine advanced to a second round meeting with Elliot Slessor, who defeated Fan Zhengyi 4-3 after being defeated by Mark Williams in the most recent Xi’an Grand Prix final.

Zak Surety defeated World No. 13 4-0, Yuan Sijun defeated Daniel Wells 4-1, Zhou Yuelong defeated Dylan Emery 4-1, and Aaron Hill of the Republic of Ireland won 4-1 over Lei Peifan to set up a round-two battle with Hawkins.