Mark Allen through to semi-final of Champion of Champions at Ali Carter's expense
Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen during day nine of the Cazoo UK Snooker Championship at the York Barbican
Mark Allen became the first player through to the Champion of Champions semi-final after he defeated Ali Carter 6-2 at the University of Bolton Stadium.
The world number four romped into a 5-1 lead before Carter hit back with a 143 clearance to keep the match alive.
But the victory was sealed in the next frame to send Allen to his sixth semi-final spot in his last nine appearances at the tournament.
He told ITV Sport: “Things were much better after a nervy start against Jimmy (White, in the previous round) earlier. I got a bit lucky in there, which is what you need.
“I think that’s been going against me this season, but I got it there. Those sorts of performances have been few and far between, I feel like I’ve turned a corner in the last few weeks, but I’m still not where I want to be.”
Earlier in the day, Allen had eased past White 4-1 to set up the meeting with Carter, who had won through 4-3 in a tense game against Mark Selby.
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