Northern Ireland duo Mark Allen and Joe Swall have booked their place in the quarter-finals at the Snooker World Cup following a narrow victory over Scotland on Friday. Victory for the Irish duo means that they have secured second place in Group D and are set to take on England in the best of seven knockout stages.
Friday’s triumph proved difficult for Allen and Swall with Scotland, who were regarded as one of the pre-tournament favourites, knowing they needed to claim the win to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Three-time ranking winner Allen put his stamp on the tie when he scored an impressive break of 133 in the second frame to level the match at 1-1. The world number 10 proved his quality once again in the deciding frame with a run of 84 to see Northern Ireland move beyond the group.
Allen admitted it was frustrating having to settle for second in the group but insists he was happy at being able to cope in such a nerve wracking situation. “It feels good but I want to be number one after five matches not four,” said Allen. “It was very nerve wracking. I don’t know how I managed my century. Although it is probably harder watching when you aren’t in control. Then it is up to your partner.”