Northern Ireland Open results: Allen, Zhao and defending champion Lisowski knocked out
Mark Allen’s return to competitive snooker ended in defeat, while defending champion Jack Lisowski and top seed Zhao Xintong were also eliminated on a dramatic Tuesday at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.
Allen lost 4-2 to close friend Jordan Brown in the first round at the Waterfront Hall. Brown advanced to the last 32, but the result was overshadowed by Allen’s emotional post-match interview.
Allen said publicly that he was in a difficult place and was unsure about continuing in the sport. The Belfast Desk wishes him well and hopes he receives the support and space he needs. His wellbeing comes first, and his privacy should be respected.
Brown was not the only player to make an impression. Zhao Xintong, one of the tournament’s leading names, was beaten 4-2 by Gao Yang, while Lisowski’s title defence ended with a 4-1 loss to Anthony McGill.
Tuesday’s opening-round results
Chang Bingyu 3-4 Ryan Day
Mark Williams 4-2 Robbie Williams
Mark Allen 2-4 Jordan Brown
Zhou Yuelong 1-4 Michael Holt
Zhao Xintong 2-4 Gao Yang
Noppon Saengkham 4-3 Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon
Tuesday evening’s second-round results
Wang Xinbo 3-4 Mateusz Baranowski
Louis Heathcote 2-4 Matthew Selt
Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 2-4 Kyren Wilson
Joe O’Connor 2-4 Ricky Walden
Jack Lisowski 1-4 Anthony McGill
Ryan Day and Noppon Saengkham both had to win deciding frames in the first round. Mark Williams also progressed, beating Robbie Williams 4-2. In the evening session, Baranowski, Selt, Wilson, Walden and McGill all secured places in the last 16.
Wednesday’s Northern Ireland Open fixtures
The second round continues at the Waterfront Hall on Wednesday, 21 October:
Pang Junxu v Liam Davies
Sam Craigie v Xu Si
Elliot Slessor v Jamie Jones
Gao Yang v David Gilbert
Cheung Ka Wai v Stuart Bingham
Zhang Anda v Mark Williams
Luca Brecel v Martin O’Donnell
John Higgins v Jak Jones
Daniel Wells v Ryan Day
Michael Holt v Jordan Brown
Noppon Saengkham v Scott Donaldson
The Northern Ireland Open runs until Sunday, 25 October, with the winner to lift the Alex Higgins Trophy.
External link: World Snooker Tour Northern Ireland Open
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