• Welsh Open

Allen avoids shock exit at Welsh Open

ESPN staff
February 20, 2014
Mark Allen was outplayed in the opening three frames © PA Photos
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Mark Allen fought back from 3-0 down to overcome amateur Sydney Wilson 4-3 in the opening round of the Welsh Open at Newport.

Unranked Wilson, 22, was given a place at the tournament following his results from last year's Q School, and raced into a shock 3-0 advantage.

However, closing in on victory, Wilson failed to pot a pink on a break of 54, and Allen stepped in with a 45 to take the fourth frame, and then came storming back, making top breaks of 55 and 112 to avoid a major upset.

"I don't really know what happened, I didn't really see those first three and a half frames coming," Allen said after the match. "I couldn't get anything going and could not concentrate; it was probably in the back of my mind that I was playing someone on the amateur scene so should win, and I completely let it get to me."

Four-time champion of the world John Higgins recorded a 4-0 victory over Tony Drago, while there were also wins for Ken Doherty, Mark Selby, Snooker Shootout champion Ricky Walden. Peter Ebdon meanwhile was stunned 4-0 by Li Hang.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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