 Mark Allen reached the semi-finals at last year's World Championship |
Mark Allen is optimistic about his chances of reaching his first major final ahead of Friday's UK Championship semi-final against John Higgins. Allen has reached the semi-finals in four world ranking events but believes the input of coach Terry Griffiths can help him edge past Higgins. "I've matured and my temperament has got a lot better," said the Antrim man. "I've been working with Terry a lot on the mental side of the game and I think it's starting to show in my play." Allen set up a last-four clash with Higgins after edging out defending champion Ding Junhui and Stuart Bingham in tight affairs. The Northern Irishman said that he would probably have lost both those matches in previous seasons.  | 606: DEBATE |
"I didn't play very well but I'm still in the tournament which is a big, big positive. "(But) If I can show the form that I showed against Tom Ford in my first match, then I think I've got a chance of going all the way." Allen believes that he will be facing "probably the best player in the world" on Friday. "They don't come much tougher that John. "Before he left (his ban), he was world number one. In my eyes, he's probably still the best player in the world - no disrespect to Neil Robertson. "I know I have to play well but the good thing playing someone like John is that you can raise your game. "I've done that in the past against players like John and hopefully I can do that again." Higgins beat Allen 17-13 in the 2009 World Championship semi-final after the Antrim potter won nine out of 11 frames from 13-3 down.
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