The 21-year-old reached the Crucible for the first time last season since turning professional in 2003.

And he produced a huge surprise by beating former world champion Ken Doherty 10-7 in round one.

Although he then succumbed to Matthew Stevens, the Northern Ireland potter had already made his mark.

Allen, provisionally ranked 24, has a great chance to get into the top 16 for next season having boosted his points by making it to the NI Trophy semi-finals.