Mark Allen became the first player to seal his spot in the Snooker World Championship semi-finals after a dramatic final frame.
Mark Allen took down
Barry Hawkins 13-11 after an exciting match to become the first player to earn a spot in the
Snooker World Championship semi-finals.
The nail-biter of a match had a very peculiar finish, as there was just one red ball left on the table at the end of the 24th frame. First Hawkins potted the red with a massive fluke, but missed his chance to profit after failing to sneak the white just behind the pink for a safety, narrowly missing out on contact.
This meant that the Englishman snookered himself, after being forced by to continue from where his own miss left the white.
Allen celebrated his win vigorously, and was naturally ecstatic in the post-match interview.
- Most of all this is a relief. When Barry got that lucky fluke on the red, I just thought here we go again. I can't remember having to apologize a single time during the match - that's probably the worst luck I've ever experienced, Allen told BBC.
The Northern Irishman also gave himself a pat on the back for his persistence.
- I'm really proud of hanging in there and giving myself a chance. I played well at times and fought until the end.
Next up for this year's first semi-finalist is a date with either
Wu Yize or
Hossein Vafaei. That duel continues today on Wednesday with a second session at 14:30, while the final session takes place later in the evening at 19:00 BST.
- Wu and Vafaei could go all the way. Although Hossein isn't one of the established big names, he's very dangerous on his day. Wu on the other hand is on the rise, he's won a tournament this season and looks to become one of the top players for a long time.
- I hope they play out a 13-12 long into the night! May the best man win, I'm ready for tomorrow whoever I'm up against.
For Hawkins the tournament ends in bitter disappointment, although as a whole he showed impressive levels throughout. The quarter-final was in many ways one of the best matches of the tournament.
- It was a brilliant game from start to finish, but sadly I gave away a couple of frames in situations where I had the table under control. That was the deciding factor in the end - Mark took his chances a bit better, Hawkins noted.
- I can't complain. This has been a good season, I've risen up in the rankings and taken a tournament. I played well here as well, but a few slip-ups were just too costly.
Below you can watch the dramatic conclusion to the quarter-final in video format.
Source:
BBC 
