I only have myself to blame: Mark Allen reflects on World Championship exit after final frame loss to John Higgins

Antrim's Mark Allen

Keith Bailie

Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen dream of winning the Snooker World Championship was shattered at the Crucible when Scotland’s John Higgins won a fine frame decider late on Monday night.

In a tense 25-frame marathon battle the Antrim man lost to the four-time world champion in Sheffield. Scotland’s Higgins fought back to 10-10, but Allen was never down and led 12-11 with just one frame required. But at 12-12, Higgins produced an incredible double in the final frame to swing the match in his favour.

A deflated Allen said: “I had enough chances to win it and I didn’t take them. Credit to John, he did what John does and cleared up when I made a mistake in the deciding frame.

"I had a chance to win it in the final frame. It probably looked like it was over the pocket, but it was really awkward. The better chance was in the previous frame when I was on a break of 62. Honestly, I’ve only myself to blame. I had plenty of chances and didn’t take them.

"John is one of the good guys on tour. He is one of the few guys left in the draw capable of winning this, he just needs to believe in himself.”

Higgins will now face England’s Kyren Wilson in the last eight, which will be played across Tuesday and Wednesday.