Mark Allen felt there were ‘fine margins’ in his 10-6 UK Championship final defeat to Ronnie O’Sullivan, though the Antrim potter says the winner is now unquestionably snooker’s greatest ever player.

Dafabet Masters champion Allen led the final in York 2-1 early doors, but O’Sullivan put on a masterful display of long potting and break building to sweep clear, winning eight of the next ten frames to establish a 9-4 advantage.

Allen responded typically, by refusing to give in and reduced his arrears to three, including potting nine reds and nine blacks in a bid for a maximum break, but O’Sullivan got the frame he wanted for a famous success.

It was the 19th ‘Triple Crown’ win of O’Sullivan’s brilliant career, surpassing Stephen Hendry’s record of 18. The Rocket’s seventh UK title also left behind Steve Davis’ tally of six and put him out on his own as the most successful player of all-time.

Antrim’s Allen felt the way he played in the final might have been good enough to beat a lot of players, but not O’Sullivan, who sets the benchmark.

“Hats off to Ronnie, he played awesome,” said the world number seven. “It was fine margins, I was a little flick here and there from being a lot closer. I didn’t feel I’d done much wrong in the first session but got punished and was 6-2 down.

“His long game was devastating. It’s up to me to go away, keep practising and try to get closer to Ronnie’s level because he is a long way ahead of everyone else.”

Allen has great respect for the five-time world champion and he suggests O’Sullivan’s CV is now beyond equal.

“At the end I gave Ronnie massive congratulations for making history. I don’t think there’s any question now that he’s the greatest ever,” he added.

Allen is 13.00 to win this week’s Scottish Open in Glasgow, with O’Sullivan favourite at 3.00 to land the final even on tour for 2018.