Mark Allen Triumphs in Epic English Open Final, Survives Zhou Yuelong’s Stunning Comeback to Claim First Ranking Title in 19 Months
Mark Allen triumphed in a thrilling final of the English Open, surviving a dramatic late comeback from China’s Zhou Yuelong to clinch his 12th ranking title. The match, held in Brentwood, saw Allen lead 6-2 and 7-3 in the opening stages, but Zhou mounted a fierce resurgence, winning five consecutive frames to take a 8-7 lead and put the Northern Irishman on the ropes.
Despite the pressure, Allen demonstrated his championship mentality, battling back with resilience and nerve to win the final two frames, sealing a 9-8 victory in a match that lasted nearly seven hours, spread across two sessions. This win marked a significant milestone for Allen, earning him his first ranking title in 19 months, since his triumph at the Players Championship in February 2024. The victory also secured him a £100,000 top prize and the prestigious Steve Davis Trophy for the first time in his career.
The match was a rollercoaster from the start. Allen delivered a stunning 132 clearance to win the opening frame, but Zhou responded swiftly, leveling the match. From there, Allen seemed to gain control, winning five out of the next six frames to stretch his lead. He looked poised for a comfortable victory, but Zhou’s tenacity proved relentless. The Chinese player had already proven his mettle in the tournament, defeating seasoned former world champions like Mark Williams, Luca Brecel, and Mark Selby, and he wasn’t about to let up now.
The evening session began with both players exchanging frames in a tense tactical battle. Then, Zhou pulled off an extraordinary turnaround, winning four consecutive frames to level the match at 7-7, and a break of 53 put him in front for the first time at 8-7. At this critical juncture, Allen found himself under intense pressure.
However, just when it seemed Zhou might be about to pull off the upset, Allen’s experience and mental toughness kicked in. “At 8-7, I thought this was it. It was make or break,” Allen admitted after the match. This sparked a resurgence from the 39-year-old, who dug deep to win the final two frames and secure the victory. “I was nervous, I missed a few shots I shouldn’t have, but I suddenly switched on when it mattered,” he said.
Allen’s ability to recover when the odds were against him was evident throughout the tournament. His run to the final included a series of close calls, where he was pushed to his limits in deciders against players like Stuart Bingham, Ding Junhui, Elliot Slessor, and Jak Jones. But the final test, against Zhou, showed just how far Allen has come in terms of mental toughness and resilience.
Reflecting on the match, Allen was full of praise for his opponent, acknowledging that Zhou, in many ways, deserved the title for his remarkable fightback. Despite the loss, Zhou’s performance was a clear signal of his potential and his ability to challenge for ranking titles in the future.
For Allen, this victory felt especially sweet. “I felt really relaxed today, but I don’t know why,” he confessed, despite being visibly fatigued throughout the day. “I haven’t slept much because I’ve been here most of the time, but at 8-7, I felt a surge of energy. It was a do-or-die moment, and that made the difference.”
With this win, Allen has reaffirmed his status as one of snooker’s top competitors, and this victory will likely fuel his ambitions for more titles as he continues his career.
