Northern Ireland Open shocks as Zhao, Allen fall
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Northern Ireland Open continued to deliver major first-round shocks, with world No. 1 Zhao Xintong beaten 4-2 by compatriot Gao Yang after surrendering a 2-0 lead. Former world No. 1 Mark Allen, a two-time Northern Ireland Open champion, also went out in the opening round after a 4-2 defeat to fellow Northern Irishman Jordan Brown. Allen said after the match that the past three months had been extremely difficult and that retirement was something he had been seriously considering
Key Points
- Zhao Xintong opened strongly against Gao Yang with a 129 break and a 64, taking the first two frames before losing the next four
- Gao Yang turned the match with breaks of 71, 112 and 71, completing a 4-2 comeback over the top-ranked Chinese player
- Allen, aged 40, was playing his first event since losing to Wu Yize in the World Championship semi-finals in May
- The former world No. 1 and two-time Northern Ireland Open winner lost 4-2 to Jordan Brown at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast
- According to on.cc, 11 of the top 16 players were out in round one, with only John Higgins, Kyren Wilson and Mark Williams still progressing among those named
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong snooker followers, the tournament has quickly become a reminder that even the biggest names are vulnerable early, making the draw far more open than expected. Allen's emotional comments also shift attention beyond results, underscoring how mental strain and personal pressure can shape careers at the top level