Snooker: Allen in tears after dramatic loss to Hendry
Stephen Hendry of Scotland in action during his match against Mark Allen of Northern Ireland during day three of the 888.com World Snooker Championships at the Crucible Theatre on April 21, 2008 in Sheffield, England. Credit: Hamish Blair, Getty Images
Mark Allen was distraught while Michael Judge was counting the cost of an expensive blunder as both exited Sheffield yesterday, victims of crushing disappointments in the 888.com World Championship.
Allen could not hold back the tears following his cruel 10-9 first-round defeat by Stephen Hendry and although less upset, Judge will spend a long time mulling over a blown 147 opportunity during his 10-6 loss to Ryan Day.
Having built a 6-3 lead on Sunday, Allen was poised to claim another notable scalp after knocking out Ken Doherty at the corresponding stage of the sport's premier event 12 months ago.
Yet, the balls, the pressure and Hendry's renowned ice cool temperament came together to deny the 22-year-old from Antrim not just a second round appearance but also elite top-16 status in the world rankings next season.
The first sign of a turnaround came in the 10th frame, when Hendry, nigh on certain to trail 7-3, somehow stole it on the black after requiring two snookers.
If that was hard to swallow the 12th hurt Allen even more. On a 57 break, referee Michaela Tabb called a foul when he carelessly contacted a red with his shirt-sleeve addressing the cue-ball.
Suddenly, his once commanding advantage had been erased but, assisted by contributions of 47, 89 and 55, Allen gamely regained control at 9-7. Still, though, Hendry refused to capitulate. The Scot, who has now won a record 62 Crucible matches, cleared with 35 to plunder the 18th frame on the black -- after Allen had missed a powered pink to a middle pocket -- and held his nerve during a run of 72.
"I had so many chances and didn't take them but what Stephen did there shows what he's capable of and the massive experience he's got," said Allen.
Struggling to choke back the tears, Allen added: "I'm so disappointed. I thought I played better but I couldn't get over the line." Judge was also reflecting on what might have been after missing a routine 14th red, albeit using the rest. By doing so, he wasted a golden chance to become the first Irishman to make a televised 147 and also missed out on the chance of a £157,000 bonus.
Last night, Steve Davis battled back from 8-3 down to draw level with Stuart Bingham but ran out of steam to lose 10-8 - and seems certain to have to qualify next year with a place in the top 16 unlikely.
- Phil Yates
