SPORT SHORTS

Allen thrashed in qualifying event

UK champion Mark Allen suffered a shock defeat in

German Masters qualifying, losing 5-0 to Chinese amateur Zhao Jianbo in Leicester.

Northern Ireland’s Allen won the UK Championship with a stunning comeback win over China’s Ding Junhui on Sunday.

The 36-year-old also defended his Northern Ireland Open title in October, but was whitewashed by Zhao here. The 19-year-old compiled breaks of 85, 77, 61 and 58 to secure a place at the ranking event in Berlin in February.

Zhao lost his tour card earlier this year, but world number five Allen could only manage 42 points across five frames as he joined four-time world champion Mark Selby in missing out.

Meanwhile, six-time World finalist Jimmy White secured his spot in Germany with a 5-2 win over Martin Gould.