THIS WAS GRIT WIN
MARK Allen used all of his “grit” and “determination” to move one win away from being crowned this year’s International Championship winner.
Northern Ireland’s top potter fought back from 3-1 down in China to beat Welshman Matthew Stevens 9-6 and book his place in today’s best-of-19 frame showcase.
But the 32-year-old admitted he was pushed to the limit by Stevens, the world No 56, who has impressed all week in Daqing after a spell in the wilderness.
“It was a good match to be involved in, but even though I’ve won I really felt Matthew was the better player,” admitted Allen.
“He was much sharper than me, so it’s strange standing here being the winner.
“It just shows the grit and determination I showed to win because I wasn’t at my best.
“The scoreline was a bit flattering to be honest, but I’ve lost a lot matches I should have won like that, so I’ll take that result.
“Luckily I made some good clearances when I needed them, even though it was a bit nervy for me getting over the winning line.”
Allen won the opener with a break of 75, but Stevens hit back with runs of 59, 70 and 86 to take a welcome 3-1 lead.
But world No 12 Allen, last season’s Masters champion, hit responded with breaks of 70 and 120 in winning five frames on the spin for a healthy 6-3 lead.
Stevens (inset) rallied with breaks of 110, 144 and 115, while Allen had a 102 break as he was pegged back to 7-6.
But Stevens missed a black on a break of 44 in the next frame and a chance to level at 7-7 – and Allen took advantage, adding runs of 85 and 44 to finish the job by winning the next two frames.
“I’ve only got happy thoughts going into the final on Sunday,” said Allen, who lost to world No 1 Mark Selby in last season’s final.
“It would be nice to win it [the title] this year. Nobody wants to lose finals, getting so close and losing is a horrible feeling.
“But last year against Selby, well he was awesome and I didn’t do much wrong.
“He played phenomenal snooker and, whoever I play next, I expect the same standard.
“It’s going to be really tough, but I’ve got a great chance of winning it.”
Allen will play either Aussie ace Neil Robertson or rising start Jack Lisowski in this year’s final, with £175,000 up for grabs for the winner and £75,000 for the eventual runner-up.