Mark Allen was defeated by Anthony Hamilton in a tense snooker match while controversy struck between King and Hossein but King prevailed 5-3
The main match of the evening was of course between Mark Allen and Anthony Hamilton.
World No.10 Mark Allen was the overwhelming favourite coming into the match against No.76, Anthony Hamilton who has not reached the latter stages of a ranking event in many years. Plagued with controversy at the start of the week and lacking any form, Allen counted himself lucky getting himself as far as the semi finals.
Allen also had the added pressure of the Northern Ireland open being held in his home city.
The poor form continued tonight for Allen as Hamilton gained a 3-0 lead, albeit with some long frames. Before the interval Allen managed to pull a frame back to reduce the deficit to 3-1. At 4-2 down, Allen had his chance to win the next frame but missed a sitter of a black to win the frame and match.
Anthony Hamilton will now meet Barry Hawkins tomorrow in the semi final of the Northern Ireland Open.
On the other table Mark King played Hossein Vafaei Ayouri where controversy was seen.
Hossein is the first Iranian professional snooker player. He recently had trouble obtaining a visa in order to come to Europe to play snooker. When he finally got his papers he set up camp in the Royal Navan Snooker Club in the Republic of Ireland where he now lives and practices.
Reaching the quarter finals of one of his first professional events was a huge achievement for the talented player who clearly has a lot to offer snooker with his talent.
Early on in the match there was controversy as words were exchanged between Mark King and Hossein. In one of the frames King required 3 snookers on the pink ball. King requested a toilet break but when he returned he immediately conceded the frame.
Although this is within the rules of snooker, it was felt that it was not very sportsman like and certainly not in good spirit of the game.
At the interval the score was 2-2 but it was King who managed to scrap out the frames required to take him to the semi finals. Mark King will now play Kyren Wilson tomorrow.
