Allen Leads Murphy In Glasgow

Mark Allen has taken a two-frame advantage into this evening’s concluding session of the BetVictor Scottish Open final, leading Shaun Murphy 5-3.

Allen is competing in his second consecutive ranking final this week. The Pistol was runner-up to Ronnie O’Sullivan seven days ago at the  UK Championship and is in a fine streak of form, having won the recent International Championship. However, it is Murphy that holds the advantage in their head-to-head record, having won 10 of their 14 meetings.

The Pistol came out firing this afternoon. He produced a century run of 110 to take the opening frame. Murphy levelled things up, before Allen crucially produced a clearance of 32 to steal the third on the black and lead 2-1.

The Magician then won two on the bounce to lead for the first time at 3-2. However, consecutive breaks of 82, 64 and 70 saw Allen take control of the match and secure his 5-3 lead.

They will play to a finish this evening at 7pm, with the first player to nine taking home the title. The winning player will receive £70,000 and the Stephen Hendry Trophy.