Beers, burgers and bets inspire Mark Allen to victory in 1st round of Snooker World Championship

Northern Ireland's snooker star Mark Allen advanced in the Snooker World Championship after defeating Zhang Anda 10-6.

The match itself was a confusing one. Allen struggled early, not scoring a break of over 50 points for the duration of the first 10 frames. After yesterday's session he saw himself 4-5 down.

However, instead of the 11th hour the Northern Irishman only had to wait until the 11th frame for a change in his fortunes. The last 6 frames were conving work, highlighted by breaks of 140, 109, 129 and 81.

After the match Allen was refreshingly honest about the pressure at the World Championship along with his volatile performances.

- It meant everything to me. I want to be World Champion. My career would feel like a disappointment without that title to my name, he said to BBC.

- That's why I was so frustrated yesterday - I'd done everything right: practiced well, gone to the gym and eaten healthily.

-After yesterday I just went out, had a couple drinks and ate a hamburger. I thought that I couldn't possibly play any worse tomorrow than today. I was really disappointed in myself, and didn't want to talk to anyone after that first session.

- I just went out, placed a few bets and watched the football with some friends. A bit of unhealthy food... but I slept really well and really stepped up on the felt.

Allen will face the winner of Kyren Wilson / Stan Moody in the second round. Wilson and Moody start their jouney at the Championship tomorrow at 10am BST.

Below are the schedule, scores and results for the first round of the Snooker World Championship.






Source: BBC