Mark Allen survived a spirited comeback from China’s Zhou Yuelong to win the English Open in a final-frame decider and claim his first ranking title in 19 months.
Northern Ireland’s Allen led Sunday’s final in Brentwood 6-2 and 7-3 before Zhou roared back to win five consecutive frames and lead for the first time.
Former world number one Allen, however, showed his own powers of recovery to win the last two frames and win 9-8 in a final that lasted seven hours over two sessions.
It is Allen’s 12th ranking title and first since the Players Championship in February 2024.
With Sunday’s victory, 39-year-old Allen earned the £100,000 top prize and lifted the Steve Davis Trophy for the first time.
It was a fitting end to the week for the former UK Championship and Masters winner, who also edged out Stuart Bingham, Ding Junhui, Elliot Slessor and Jak Jones in final-frame deciders to reach the final.
“I thought Zhou battled really hard in that second session, he played some good stuff,” said Allen.
“He put me under pressure, I missed a few balls and I was nervous. I missed a few that I shouldn’t have but at 8-7 I suddenly switched on a bit.
“It’s a good trait to have. I don’t want to keep relying on it but I felt as good as any part of the match in those last two frames, but I feel for Zhou, he probably deserved that for the character he showed.”