Donaldson throws away lead to crash out of Welsh Open

Perth snooker star Scott Donaldson is heading home from the Welsh Open after letting a twoframe lead slip against Mark Allen in the third round.

The 27-year-old flew out of the traps against the world No 10, reeling off consecutive breaks of 86 and 90 to open up an early cushion.

Allen hit back with a pair of half-century visits to level matters and a safety-heavy fifth frame went the way of the Perth potter, who stood on the verge of the last 16.

But the five-time ranking event winner was not going to depart without a fight and reeled off a 94 to set up a decider, which Allen took hold of with a 72 break to consign Donaldson to the exit door.

The world No 23 may be relieved to see the back of Newport, having locked himself out of his hotel room in just his underpants earlier in the week.

His next chance to earn ranking points comes at

March’s Gibraltar Open, an event in which Donaldson reached the last four in 2018.

Of the other Scots in action on day four, Anthony Mcgill also fell at the third-round stage after losing a deciding frame against Barry Hawkins, while Stephen Maguire beat Matthew Selt 4-2 to set up a clash with Pang Junxu.

There were also wins for Mark Selby, Mark King and veteran Mark Williams.

However, World No 1 Judd Trump suffered a surprise defeat against Hossein Vafaei, slamming the conditions at Celtic Manor after his exit.

The Bristolian, who arrived in Newport looking for his fifth ranking event title of the season, said: “It’s just so heavy here. It’s difficult to play in. It’s like playing in China and that’s why the standard has been pretty poor from what I’ve seen of the tournament.”

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George North has been given the “green light” to win his 100th Wales cap against England in the Six Nations Championship.

North missed Wales’ second Six Nations win against Scotland last weekend with a foot injury.

But the 28-year-old Lions star has returned to training ahead of England’s visit to Cardiff next Saturday.

North’s fellow centres Johnny Williams and Jonathan Davies are also back in training to strengthen head coach Wayne Pivac’s midfield options, while flanker Josh Navidi has overcome the neck injury which forced him to miss the Scotland win.

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who was injured at Murrayfield, and wing Hallam Amos are going through head injury assessment protocols.