BRENTWOOD, Essex — Mark Allen clinched his first ranking title in 19 months in the most dramatic fashion possible, surviving a monumental comeback from China's Zhou Yuelong to win a final-frame decider and claim the 2023 BetVictor English Open title.
The Northern Irishman, who last tasted ranking success at the 2022 Northern Ireland Open, looked to be cruising to victory at the Brentwood Centre, establishing a commanding 7-1 lead in the best-of-17 final. However, Zhou, chasing his maiden ranking crown, mounted a stunning and courageous fightback, reeling off six consecutive frames to force a nerve-shredding decider.
Ultimately, it was Allen’s experience and resolve that saw him over the line, as he composed himself to produce a superb break of 72 in the final frame to seal a 9-7 victory, pocketing the £80,000 top prize and the Steve Davis Trophy. "I'm just relieved to get over the line," a visibly drained Allen admitted afterwards.
Allen's Dominant Start and Zhou's Gritty Response
The final began on Sunday afternoon with Allen in imperious form. He quickly stamped his authority on the match, capitalizing on any errors from an initially nervy Zhou. Breaks of 67, 53, 104, and 90 helped the world number four build what appeared to be an insurmountable 6-1 lead after the first session, leaving Zhou with a mountain to climb in the evening's concluding session.
Zhou’s task was to win eight of the next ten frames—a near-impossible ask against a player of Allen's caliber. Yet, when play resumed, a different Zhou emerged. Displaying tremendous heart and a much-improved safety game, he began to chip away at the deficit. A break of 76 in the first frame of the evening signaled his intent, and he continued to apply pressure, reducing Allen's lead to 7-4.
Allen managed to stop the rot momentarily by moving one frame from victory at 8-4, but Zhou, showing the determination that had seen him defeat John Higgins in the semi-finals, refused to yield. He embarked on a breathtaking run of snooker, showcasing his own considerable talent under extreme pressure.
The Unthinkable Comeback and Final Frame Drama
From 8-4 down, Zhou found another gear. He strung together three consecutive frames with a mix of gritty resolve and fluent break-building, including a superb 134 total clearance—the highest break of the final—to close to within one frame at 8-7. The momentum had completely shifted, and the pressure was now squarely on Allen's shoulders as Zhou’s comeback echoed around the arena.
The sixteenth frame was a tense, fragmented affair, a stark contrast to the free-flowing snooker that had preceded it. Both players had opportunities but were clearly feeling the weight of the occasion. It was Zhou who eventually potted the final balls to complete his six-frame streak and force a deciding frame, sending the match into a winner-takes-all shootout.
In the decider, Allen, drawing on all his experience from previous finals, gained the first clear opportunity. With the balls at his mercy, he demonstrated why he is a top-class champion, crafting a match-winning break of 72. Zhou needed a snooker but eventually conceded, leaving Allen to celebrate a hard-fought and emotionally charged victory.
Quotes from the Champion and Runner-Up
In his post-match interview, an emotional and honest Allen paid tribute to his opponent and admitted to his own struggles. "At 7-1 I was in complete control, but all credit to Zhou. He showed what a fighter he is. He put me under immense pressure and I started to miss a few. I got really negative and the thoughts going through my head weren't good. I was my own worst enemy."
He added, reflecting on the significance of the win after a difficult period: "It's been a tough 12 months on and off the table. This means a lot. I've put a lot of work in and it's nice to get the rewards. To win any tournament is special, but the way I did it today, from 8-7 down, I had to dig deep."
For Zhou Yuelong, the defeat was a heartbreakingly familiar story, having now lost all three of his ranking finals. Despite the pain, he was gracious in defeat: "I tried my best. I was very nervous in the first session. After the interval, I just tried to play my game and enjoy it. I had a chance in the last frame, but I missed a red. Mark is a great player."
A Turning Point After a Challenging Year
This victory represents more than just another trophy for Allen. The past year has seen him speak openly about his struggles with depression and the pressure of the tour, making this triumph a testament to his mental fortitude. Furthermore, he has undergone a significant physical transformation, losing over six stone in weight, which he credits for improving his stamina and overall well-being.
The win also has significant implications for the season-long rankings. The key takeaways from his victory include:
- A climb to third place in the world rankings.
- A massive boost in confidence for the upcoming major tournaments.
- A strong position in the race to the World Grand Prix and Players Championship.
Allen’s path to the title was not straightforward, requiring him to navigate a series of tough matches. His campaign included notable victories over:
- Matthew Selt (4-2)
- Mark Williams (4-2)
- John Higgins (6-3 in the semi-finals)
Conclusion: A Classic Final to Remember
The 2023 English Open final will be remembered as one of the most dramatic of the season. It had everything: a dominant opening session, a fearless and record-equalling comeback, and a final-frame decider packed with tension. For Mark Allen, it was a victory earned through sheer willpower, a quality that defines champions. For Zhou Yuelong, it was another agonizingly close call, but his performance proved beyond doubt that his first ranking title is surely not far away.
As Allen lifted the Steve Davis Trophy, the relief and joy were palpable. "I don't know how I've won that game," he confessed. But win it he did, marking a triumphant return to the winner's circle and setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling remainder of the season.
