Mark Allen defends position after free-ball controversy during World Grand Prix win over Jack Lisowski

Mark Allen has defended his actions during his controversial win over Jack Lisowski in the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix.

After a blistering start and with Allen short of his best, Lisowski looked well set to move into a 3-1 lead after a well-crafted safety forced an error from Allen.

Allen, the No. 1 on the one-year rankings after a superb season, attempted to play thin off a red and return to baulk, but he did not make contact and the white came to rest near the brown.

Referee Proletina Velichkova assessed the angles and called a free ball, which would have left Lisowski in a very strong position with the green as an easy starter.

Allen immediately objected and over eight minutes of discussion took place.

As Allen stood firm, a decision was made and Lisowski had the balls replaced and the Northern Irishman played the white from its previous position.

He failed to escape a second time, but the cue ball came to rest short of the brown and there was no second discussion over a free ball.

While he appeared to keep his composure, Lisowski did not look the same player following the incident and Allen secured a 5-4 win despite being well short of the level that helped him win the Northern Ireland Open and UK Championship earlier this season.

The moment of controversy generated plenty of debate, and Allen took to Twitter in the early hours of Friday – the match finished after midnight – to defend his position.

“Years ago I was chastised for not questioning a ref when I was in the right,” Allen said. “I was told I was allowed to….. now when I’ve questioned the ref again when in the right I’m chastised. I can’t win.”

In his post-match interview, Allen suggested his opponent did not know the rule and he reinforced that on social media.

Allen said: “Also, when the rule was actually explained to Jack, he knew he’d got it wrong.

“Also, for what it’s worth players make so many mistakes in their career… referees are allowed one too. Proletina is a great ref, brilliant at her job, so please don’t start calling her out on it thanks. Keep them coming my way.”

The issue prompted debate among the studio panel. Neal Foulds said if such an issue had happened during his playing days, and he had questioned the ruling of a referee, he would have been given short shrift.

Allen was unrepentant after the event, he also defended his defensive approach, and it paid off as he booked a meeting with Noppon Saengkham in the semi-finals on Friday evening.