888.com world snooker championship 2007
Is There A Storm Brewing?
A young-man from Northern Ireland, who plays with a unique swash-buckling style, creating a buzz of axcitement within the Crucible - ring any bells? No, we're not talking about 1980s Alex Higgins, but 21-year-old Mark Allen.
David and Gabi caught up with Mark in the Cuefactor Players' Lounge to see if Hurricane Allen was brewing and preparing to storm to Crucible victory.
How was it out there - any different from day one?
It was really different for me to lead, but I just took a bit more time over my shots. I was trying to cut out the stupid mistakes. I was pretty pleased with the way I closed out the match because it was the most pressure I have ever felt.
So, a bit more tension in the arms?
Definitely, the nerves got to me today. Obviously I missed quite a few balls early in the session, the blacks I missed were unforgivable. The turning point was when I made a good break to go 7-6 up. The chances Ken had were from me making mistakes.
What will you do now, before your next match?
I will probably just stay in Sheffield now and watch a few matches. I have played two sessions in the arena now so I feel a bit more confident.
You play Matthew Stevens next, any thoughts?
Hopefully I will be able to settle against Matthew in the next round. I have never played him before although I have practiced against him once. If I can play the way I started the match and cut out the mistakes I think I have a good chance to beat him. He needs a good run to get back into the top 16, but I fancy my chances. Beating Ken was the best win of my career.
