Mark Allen broke into the elite top 16 at the end of last season

Antrim's Mark Allen fine challenge for the Bahrain Championship ended on Friday when he lost 6-4 to Australia's Neil Robertson in the semi-final.

Former world amateur champion Allen made a good start and a century break in the second frame saw him go 2-0 up.

Robertson hit back with four frames on the bounce to lead 4-2.

Allen, the world number 16, got two back at 4-3 and 5-4 but just could not manage to secure what would have been a maiden final appearance.

"He made two great breaks and got off to great start," said Robertson.

"I was nervous but then made two breaks to level at 2-2.

"I kept playing pretty well from there. I had a 70 and an 80 to go 4-2 up and managed to hold. I fell over the line."

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