ALLEN THE MIND

Mark taking an enlightened approach as he moves into lead against giant-killer Joe

Allen pocketed runs of 99, 94 and 67 to lead 3-1 at the interval.

A break of 73 helped Perry reduce the deficit but Allen responded with a 73 of his own to restore his two-frame cushion.

And the World No16 could have led 5-2 but missed and Perry pounced to pinch it.

However, Allen compiled a 50 break in the final frame of the session and resumes today happy with his promising start in this race to 13 frames.

The 32-year-old also revealed he is plotting an ‘enlightened’ path to the title in Sheffield.

Allen turned to new coach Chris Henry after his form faltered following his huge Masters triumph back in

January. He won just two matches between that magical night at Alexandra Palace and the Players Championship but since working with

Henry, the Antrim ace feels like he’s better prepared mentally.

“It’s been completely enlightening working with Chris,” he said. “If you heard Chris from a distance you’d think ‘what’s he on about?’.

“The science is behind everything he tells you, it’s all based on fact so you trust him and believe what he’s telling you. I’ve only been working with him recently, since the Players Championship. I felt like I was struggling mentally more than anything and it was affecting my technique when I’m playing. “He’s given me breathing exercises to do when I’m playing based on how the brain works and I feel so relaxed when I’m playing now.

“It’s only something small but these are the fine margins we’re looking for – that extra one or two per cent.

“We’re only in the early days but we’re going in the right direction.”