The first-round draw for this year’s UK Championship guaranteed that close friendships would be put on the line with Mark Allen facing Jordan Brown, Neil Robertson pitted against Joe Perry and China’s Yan Bingtao up against Zhou Yuelong.
And the Northern Irish pair, practice partners at the 147 Club in Antrim and compadres since the age of 12, were first to take to the baize and endure what was at times clearly an excruciating experience for them as the action got under way on Saturday at the Barbican Centre in York.
World number 22 Brown kept his emotions in check better at the start, and after going 2-0 up would have wanted to be better than 2-2 at the interval. But Allen, one of the players of the season to date having defended his Northern Ireland Open title and got to the British Open final, reeled off breaks of 68, 105, 113, 63 and 55 in winning 6-4 in their first ever pro meeting.
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World number eight Allen, 36, said: “We have played thousands of frames in practice and I know exactly what Jordan is capable of. Even thought he has won the Welsh title in the past, I know he can do more in the game. It was a case of trying to put emotions aside and Jordan did that better at the start.
“He knocked in an 84 in the first frame and I was thinking ‘He doesn’t really like me too much’. Blocking it all out is easier said than done. We have known each other since we were 12 years of age, it is a really close friendship. The first match on tour had to come at some time, but it was not nice coming in the first round being drawn out of the hat at such a big one.
“Jordan is one of my best mates, someone I always watch when he is playing, and cheer on to do well. If we hadn’t been playing I’d want him to do well. And that can be hard getting your head around, and he would also want the best for me in all other circumstances.”
Brown, 35, said: “It was horrible playing Mark, and it was never going to be an enjoyable experience for either of us. But we had a job to do and both had to be professional about it. I missed a few opportunities today but I am sure Mark could say the same. I think it was just because we were best mates playing and there was a different feeling about the match today. It wasn’t nice at all.
“But we did know it had to happen sooner or later. And Mark is a dangerous player right now, as he has shown so far this season. He is capable of being a world champion, for me it is a matter of when, and winning more big titles.”
Meanwhile, Geordie Sam Craigie booted defending champion Zhao Xintong out of the event. The 28-year-old qualifier from Wallsend claimed one of the biggest wins of his career with a 6-2 victory.
BBC2 may have chosen to show the tennis in Glasgow live instead of the world number 47’s big moment but Craigie made a huge point to Mark Selby and a few pundits who have questioned his attitude. And having been away for a week, including for two qualifying matches, Craigie, who got a hug from oldest daughter Sophie for his win, was heading home for a laundry run.
Craigie, who finished with a superb break of 104, said: “I am going straight home tonight to my own bed having been away and in hotels for a week now. I need to get my clothes washed, they’re not smelling too good.
“I fell at this hurdle in the UK last year so this is the furthest I have got and it’s nice to continue some good form. And it was great having the family here once you have won. It is the first time for my oldest daughter and she has been buzzing all day while I was trying to prepare so it was great to win this one for her.
“It is very disappointing it wasn’t live on the BBC - it’s not ideal, but what can I do? It’s one I would like to watch back and hopefully I can somehow. But I don’t want to talk about my dedication any more, I’m drawing a line in the sand. People have said their bit, I have said mine. Who knows if I have made lots of sacrifices? I am very happy with my performance, and I have to thank the crowd, they were phenomenal and I have never experienced anything like that before in terms of support for me.”
Snooker legend Jimmy White got a two-minute standing ovation at the UK Championship – but was then dumped out by Ryan Day. The 60-year-old Whirlwind’s return to the big stage began with a memorable reception but ended in disappointing anti-climax and a 6-2 defeat to Wales’ Day.
World number 89 White became the first player aged over 60 to take part in the latter stages of a major tournament for 29 years at York’s Barbican Centre. But on the 30th anniversary of his UK title triumph he missed early chances to forge a lead which cost him dear.
‘People’s Champion’ White is the most popular player in the sport’s history and as he entered the arena the crowd rose to acclaim their hero. Even the veteran could scarcely believe the reception but when it all died down recent British Open winner Day, 42, held his nerve to set up a last-16 clash with Craigie.
World number 16 Day stole the first two frames and, after White pulled one back with a run of 55, made a superb break of 127 to lead 3-1. And he soon closed out the contest.
White, who won four matches to get to the venue, said: “It was a horrendous first frame, I had looked like potting my way out of trouble but he won it. And then he got the second, I was 2-0 down and I knew I should have been 2-0 up. But the reception I got – I live for that, it was just magical, mind-blowing. I will never forget that. It took me a little while to settle down after that. But I can build from my run getting here.
“Ryan had some nice words afterwards, saying that I had always been his idol which was special too. But I’ll carry on. If I didn’t think I could still win, I’d go and play bad golf.”
Day said: “When I first started watching snooker in the late 80s Jimmy was my favourite player and it was a privilege to share that stage with him tonight.”
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