ALLEN INTO SEMI-FINAL

MARK Allen remained on course for a maiden UK Championship crown with an impressive win.

The Pistol fired his way into the semi-finals of the game’s second biggest ranking event by battering best mate Stephen Maguire 6-1 last night at York’s Barbican Centre.

Masters champion Allen became just the 11th player to reach 400 career century breaks during the one-sided drubbing.

Northern Ireland’s top potter pocketed best breaks of 53 and 122 to send Maguire packing.

Victory would book Allen a place in his first UK final since his painful 2011 defeat to Judd Trump.

Now Antrim ace Allen clashes with 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham tonight after the Essex cueman eased past Masters finalist Kyren Wilson 6-1.

Bingham missed the final yellow for a memorable maximum 147 break, which would have yielded a £20,000 bonus, during a fine win.

Defending UK champion Ronnie O’sullivan will take on Tom Ford this afternoon for a place in his eighth final.

The Rocket fired himself into the semi-finals with a 6-1 demolition of surprise-package Martin O’donnell.

Leicester potter Ford booked a place in his first Triple Crown semi-final by beating Joe Perry 6-2.