Three-time UK Champion John Higgins beats Mark Allen 6-3 in the UK Championship in York
The stage was set for one of the best matches so far in the UK Championship as both these top 10 players met in the the last 16 of the second biggest tournament of the professional snooker circuit.
Coming into this prestigious event, John Higgins had racked up two consecutive wins in November, firstly at the China Championship and then only a week later at the Champion of Champions, beating Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final. Adding to his month of glory, Higgins also made a 147 break at the Northern Ireland Trophy.
In Contrast, Mark Allen had an inconsistent month, most notably at his home event in Northern Ireland, where he struggled under pressure.
At the beginning of their match today, it was initially John Higgins who got himself in front, taking the first two frames.
Mark Allen then began to play better snooker as he took the next three frames in a row, making a century break of 105 to lead 3-2.
From then on it was all about the Scottish Wizard, who firstly replied with his own century of 101, followed by three more sizable breaks to win the match 6-3.
John Higgins will now face an even bigger test against World No.1, Mark Selby in the last eight of the tournament.
In a post match interview, John Higgins said;
“I will need to play a lot better than i have this week to win the next match.
“It will be a great test playing the World No.1. I am looking forward to it.”
On the other table this afternoon, Jamie Jones beat David Gilbert 6-2 in a sloppy snooker match.
The highest break of the match went to Jones with a 96.
Jones will now play Marco Fu in the quarter finals.
