Mark Allen inspired by daughter after reaching World Snooker quarter-finals

The 37-year-old Ulsterman required just 15 minutes to fashion a break of 68 and turn a 12-4 overnight lead into a 13-4 win against the 2015 champion Stuart Bingham, setting up a last-eight clash against qualifier Jak Jones, who completed a stunning win over former champion Neil Robertson.

Allen, who is intent on rectifying a dismal Crucible record that has seen him reach this stage just four times since a solitary semi-final appearance in 2009, said he had been inspired by a bracelet given to him by his five-year-old daughter, Harley.

"It's great for me having this to look at, when you make mistakes out there and you look down and you realise where your priorities really lie, it takes some pressure off," said Allen, who begins his quarter-final clash on Tuesday morning.

"It just says 'dad' on it. It's pinks and purples and stuff, not really my favourite colours, but it helps keep my mind at rest.

"It's good to have that happy thought in your head and get ready for the next one."

Allen did the damage in the second session of their second-round match on Friday, in which he extended an early 5-3 advantage and was only denied victory with a session to spare when Bingham clinched the last frame of the day.

Despite the emphatic nature of his win, coming on the back of a stellar season in which he has won three titles and reached another final, Allen has endured too much Crucible heartbreak to rest on his laurels.

"I made a few silly mistakes here and there, but in general I thought I scored much better," added Allen.

"I have confidence in my results but not really in my performances. To win the World Championship, you need to be better than what I've shown this year, but as long as I keep winning matches and tournaments I'll be happy."

Allen's poor record at the Crucible is matched by Robertson, who has reached the one-table set-up just once since his solitary tournament victory in 2010.