Mark Allen has boosted his hopes of automatically qualifying for this year’s World Championship after beating Noppon Saengkham 6-1 in the first round of the China Open. Northern Irishman Allen is currently 17th in the world rankings, but with only the top 16 players securing automatic qualification for the World Championship, he knows he needs to deliver a positive run in China if he is to avoid having to qualify for the Crucible.
It almost seems unprecedented if Allen were to miss out on a place at the Worlds, as he won the Dafabet Masters earlier this year, although that tournament is not a ranking event and his performances in such competitions have not been as consistent over recent months. However, Allen looked back to his best during his first round match against Saengkham, as he eased to victory thanks in large to three centuries and a closing break of 98.
The 32-year-old will now face home-favourite Yan Bingtao in round two and he knows just how important it is for him to secure a victory in that match, as he goes in search of the ranking points he needs. “I’m not usually one that follows the rankings too closely – but it’s hard not to when it comes near Sheffield time,” Allen said. “I still might end up having to qualify. That’s not a nice place to be, but I’m in a far better position after winning that first-round match. “I’m here to win the China Open – the rankings matter will take care of itself.”
Allen, who was a World Championship semi-finalist back in 2009, is priced at 28/1 to go on and secure overall glory at the Crucible this year.