Awesome Allen Victorious in Antwerp

Mark Allen has won the second ranking title of his career at the Antwerp Open (European Tour Event 3) beating Mark Selby 4-1 & making three consecutive centuries in the final at the Lotto Arena, Antwerp.

PHOTOS BY MONIQUE LIMBOS - ANTWERP OPEN RESULTS

Since reaching the final of the UK Championship at the end of last year and winning the World Open in March, Northern Ireland's no.1 Mark Allen hasn't been in great form, having dropped out before the quarter-final stages of every event so far.

This weekend in Antwerp he played brilliantly however to beat the likes of Peter Ebdon, Graeme Dott and surprise semi-finalist Andrew Pagett who himself dispatched Neil Robertson in the quarter finals, to set up a final with the in-form world no.1 Mark Selby.

It was all one way traffic for left-hander Allen who came out the strongest in any final in recent memory, making three consecutive centuries (117, 102 & 106) to the delight of the packed Lotto Arena audience to lead the Paul Hunter Classic champion 3-0.

Selby won a scrappy 4th frame to keep himself briefly in the match but in the end a cool 53 break from Allen was enough to see him through and lift the rather large trophy a comfortable 4-1 winner.

Much can be wrote about Allen off the table after his exploits at press conferences and what not but when it comes down to it and he is on top of his game he is an excellent snooker player who deserves all the plaudits he gets.

No doubt his terrific run in Antwerp will fill him with confidence going in to the upcoming International Championship's in China, with the winner to take home the same ranking points and prize money as the UK Championship there is lots at stake for the boys.

Coverage begins on the 28th of Novemeber, with EuroSport screening live action throughout the tournament. 

Antwerp Open 2012 Champion - Mark Allen