Mark Allen scores 147 at Cheltenham to reach quarter-finals

Mark Allen showcased his exceptional skill by scoring a 147 maximum break in his third-round match against Ben Mertens at the British Open. This remarkable achievement came after he had previously expressed frustration with the playing conditions at the Centaur Arena in Cheltenham, labeling them as 'absolutely embarrassing' and suggesting that the table should be 'burned'. His comments drew attention and later led him to apologize for his outburst on social media. In the tournament, Allen had a challenging start, winning a final-frame shootout against Gary Wilson before comfortably defeating Aaron Hill 4-1. His performance against Mertens was dominant, as he took an early lead and maintained control throughout the match, ultimately winning 4-1 with a strong 77 break. Allen's success in the tournament not only highlights his talent but also places him in contention for the £5,000 high break prize, should no other player match his 147 score. He is set to face world number one Judd Trump in the quarter-finals, adding further excitement to the competition. The British Open has seen other notable performances, including Thepchaiya Un-Nooh's near maximum break and John Higgins' decisive victory over Rory Thor. As the tournament progresses, the stakes continue to rise, with several top players vying for the title.