Mark Allen is off to a flyer in the Champion of Champions title defence with a battling victory…

Mark Allen is off to a flyer in the Champion of Champions title defence with a battling victory…

Mark Allen made an impressive start to his defense of the Champion of Champions title, overcoming a determined challenge from his opponent with a gritty and resilient performance at the 2024 event. The Northern Irishman, who clinched the prestigious trophy last year, showed the qualities that helped him to reach the summit of snooker, digging deep to secure a hard-fought victory in the opening round.

Allen, known for his all-around game and mental toughness, faced a tough test in the form of a talented opponent who refused to go down without a fight. Despite some moments of vulnerability, Allen’s consistency and tactical approach proved to be the difference as he weathered the storm and moved one step closer to defending his crown.

The match started with both players exchanging frames in an evenly matched opening session. Allen appeared slightly off his best early on, but his trademark ability to fight for every ball kept him in the contest. With the score locked at 3-3, it was clear that this would be a battle of nerves as much as skill.

In the second session, Allen found another gear. A break of 78 in the seventh frame signaled his intention to take control, and he began to assert his dominance, capitalising on a few crucial mistakes from his opponent. His safety play was exemplary, and when the pressure mounted, Allen’s ability to stay calm under the spotlight allowed him to edge ahead.

By the time the match reached its closing stages, Allen had established a lead that his opponent could not overcome. A composed clearance in the final frame sealed the 6-4 victory for the world number five, who will now look forward to the next challenge in his title defence.

Speaking after the match, Allen reflected on the difficulties of defending such a prestigious title. “It’s never easy,” he said. “You’re always expected to perform, and the pressure can get to you. But I felt I handled it well today. I didn’t play my best snooker, but I kept fighting and managed to get over the line.”

With his first-round win secured, Mark Allen will now turn his attention to the next phase of the competition as he seeks to defend his Champion of Champions crown.