Allen into NI Open quarterfinals at Belfast, set for all-Antrim clash

Mark Allen survived two tight contests and a composed win against a fellow Irishman to reach the quarterfinals of the Northern Ireland Open at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Thursday, extending his bid for a third consecutive home title and strengthening his position in the Home Nations series. The 39 year old from Antrim edged Robert Milkins 4-3 in the opening round after recovering from a 3-2 deficit with back‑to‑back century breaks, then beat Ben Woollaston 4-3, and followed up with a 4-1 win over Cork’s Aaron Hill to set up a quarterfinal against fellow Antrim player Jordan Brown.

Allen fell behind at stages of his opening match with Milkins but produced visits of 104 and 113 to take the decider and advance. He acknowledged the pressure of playing at home, saying after the Milkins match that he felt “a bit edgy” early on but managed to settle, and later quipped “I used up one of my lives there” as he reflected on the narrow escape. In the meeting with Woollaston he again required a final‑frame finish, potting the last red to close out the 4-3 victory.

In the last 16 Allen capitalised on an early mistake from Hill and built a decisive 137 break in the opening frame before...