Mark Allen Claims Riyadh Season Snooker Championship, Equalling Career-Best Prize

Mark Allen secured his first title of the season by defeating Luca Brecel in the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship. The £250,000 prize money for this victory represents the joint-largest sum of Allen’s career, matching the reward he received for his 2022 UK Championship win. The Northern Irish player, Allen, first overcame defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan with a 4-2 scoreline in the semi-final. He then proceeded to defeat Belgium’s Brecel in the final later on Friday, achieving a decisive 5-1 victory. Allen commented on his performance, stating, “I was very nervous in the last few balls. I am happy to get over the line.” He further added, “You are never there until you’re there. I played some good stuff all week.” Brecel, who is the 2022 world champion and had defeated Mark Williams 4-2 in his own semi-final match, secured the first frame of the final. However, Allen quickly equalized with a 104 clearance. A break of 109 in the fourth frame gave Allen a 3-1 lead, and he subsequently claimed the next two frames following the interval to secure the win and the £250,000 prize pot. The semi-final match between Allen and O’Sullivan proved to be more closely contested, with Allen’s victory sealed by a break of 134. After O’Sullivan won the initial frame, he missed a red in the second, which initiated a shift in momentum, allowing Allen to establish a 3-1 lead. O’Sullivan managed to reduce Allen’s advantage by winning the fifth frame, but Allen’s subsequent clearance ultimately concluded the seven-time world champion’s progression in the tournament.