Mark Allen heading to World Grand Prix final after defeating Noppon Saengkham 6-1, will face Judd Trump or Shaun Murphy

Mark Allen breezed past Noppon Saengkham, claiming a 6-1 victory in the semi-final of the World Grand Prix.

It was a slow start, taking almost ten minutes for Saengkham to get a red at the bottom right before gifting Allen a chance at the table after missing an easy black. Allen was undoubtedly focused from the moment he stepped up, taking the first frame with 73.

The second frame was more of the same, with Allen reaching 66 before failing to sink a pink. Saengkham gets to the table, and tries to snooker his opponent to no avail, and opting to concede the frame after failing to pot a long blue.

Allen then missed a relatively easy red in the middle, allowing Saengkham the chance to pot a blue, and an impressive long red to take the third frame. It was a relatively short blip for Allen who comfortably put away the fourth with a total of 78, leaving Saengkham much to ponder over the short fifteen minute interval.

After the break, Allen continued his dominance with his most impressive display of the match, potting the last black off of two cushions and right into the yellow pocket, totalling a clearance of 127.

The sixth frame was a tighter affair, but the mistakes kept creeping into Saengkham’s game, with the 30-year-old leaving a red right in the jaws for Allen to sink. The No. 1 on the one-year rankings managed another red after that, along with a brown and a black. He continued to navigate the table impressively, taking the sixth frame. The seventh proved to be the final frame, and despite Allen rushing some of his final shot, Saengkham failed to take advantage of any mistakes to pull one frame back, giving Allen the win.

The victory means that Allen has reached his fourth final of the season and will be looking to add a third win after his Northern Ireland Open and the UK Championship victories.

He will either face Judd Trump or Shaun Murphy, who will compete in the second semi-final tomorrow.

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