BELFAST — In a highly anticipated all-Antrim clash, home favourite Mark Allen secured a commanding 5-2 victory over Jordan Brown in the quarter-finals of the Northern Ireland Open, keeping his dream of a third title at the Waterfront Hall alive and well.
The atmosphere was electric inside the Belfast venue as two of the city's own battled for a place in the semi-finals. Allen, the world number four and tournament top seed, ultimately proved too strong for the 2021 Welsh Open champion, but not before Brown showcased the grit and talent that makes these local derbies so compelling.
A Tense Start and a Decisive Response
The match began in a cagey fashion, with both players understandably feeling the weight of the occasion. Brown, known for his methodical approach, took a tight opening frame, sending a ripple of anticipation through the crowd. However, Allen, demonstrating the champion's mentality that has defined his recent successes, responded immediately. He composed himself to level the match at 1-1 with a break of 68, signalling that he would not be rattled by the early setback.
From there, the 'Pistol' began to find his range. A superb century break of 106 in the third frame swung the momentum firmly in his favour, and he followed it up by stealing a closely contested fourth frame on the colours to establish a 3-1 lead at the mid-session interval. Reflecting on the start, Allen noted, "It was always going to be a tough game. Jordan is a great player and he started well, but I felt I responded at the right times."
Allen Shifts Through the Gears
Returning from the break, Allen looked a man on a mission. He extended his lead to 4-1 with a further break of 82, appearing to cruise towards the finish line. Brown, to his immense credit, refused to capitulate. Facing elimination, the underdog dug deep to produce a gutsy break of his own, a 65, to reduce the deficit to 4-2 and ensure the contest would go on. The local crowd, torn in its allegiance, applauded both players generously.
Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were swiftly extinguished in the seventh frame. Allen, seizing his opportunity, compiled a match-winning break of 76 to seal a 5-2 victory and book his place in the final four. The victory was built on a foundation of superior scoring power, with Allen's high breaks proving to be the critical difference on the night.
Post-Match Reflections and Local Pride
Speaking to the press after the match, Allen was full of praise for his opponent and the unique nature of the contest. "It's never easy playing a good friend, especially one from the same area," he admitted. "We practice together, we know each other's games inside out. There's a lot of pride on the line in these matches, but I'm just happy to have come through. Jordan is a class act and he pushed me all the way."
For Brown, the defeat was a disappointment, but he took the positives from a strong week on home soil. "Of course, you want to win every match, but Mark was the better player today," Brown stated. "I gave it my all, but he made the bigger breaks when it mattered. The support here has been incredible, and it's always special to play in front of your home crowd."
The Road to the Belfast Title
This victory continues Allen's formidable record in his home tournament, where he is now a two-time champion. His path to this year's quarter-final included victories over players such as:
- A hard-fought 4-2 win over Andres Petrov.
- A dominant 4-0 whitewash of John Astley.
- A professional 4-1 result against Daniel Wells.
Each performance has showcased a different facet of his game, from gritty match-play to free-flowing scoring, underlining his status as the man to beat. The Northern Ireland Open holds a special place in his career, having provided some of his most memorable triumphs and emotional moments on the World Snooker Tour.
What's Next for the Antrim Men?
With this win, Allen moves forward in the tournament, his sights set firmly on claiming another title in Belfast. The victory also solidifies his position at the top of the season's rankings and provides a significant boost ahead of the upcoming triple crown events. For Brown, the run to the quarter-finals represents a positive step in his season, demonstrating that he can compete with the very best on a big stage.
The Antrim derby may be over for this year, but it served as a powerful reminder of the strength of snooker in Northern Ireland. The passionate support from the Belfast crowd created an unforgettable atmosphere, proving that the sport continues to thrive in the region. As Allen progresses, he carries not just his own ambitions, but the hopes of an entire home crowd willing him to victory.
Allen concluded with a message for his supporters, "The crowd here is just different. They give me an extra five or ten percent. I can feel them with me on every shot, and that's what you play for. I want to win this for them as much as for myself." The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the Northern Ireland Open.
