Mark Allen says fans 'deserved better' after shock Northern Ireland Open defeat as Jordan Brown stuns Neil Robertson

The Antrim man’s hopes of a third successive title at his home tournament were ended around 2am by Estonia’s Andres Petrov in the early hours of Tuesday in Belfast.

In a match containing just one half century break – exactly 50 from Petrov in the second frame – Allen came back from 3-1 down to force a decider, but the Estonian edged over the finishing line in a thrilling contest.

Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Allen said he ‘just came up short’.

"Not to be tonight. Gave it absolutely everything but came up just short,” the 37-year-old posted.

"Thanks to everyone for their support as always here in Belfast. It doesn’t go unnoticed and you deserved better. Back to the practice table for me."

Meanwhile, fellow Antrim player Jordan Brown heaped more woe on former world champion Neil Robertson by cruising to a 4-1 win.

Brown, a shock winner of the Welsh Open in 2021, looked close to top form as he swept aside the Australian, who briefly rallied with a break of 125 in the penultimate frame.

The 36-year-old is yet to reach a ranking quarter-final since his sole tournament win and knows there could be no better place to break that run than his home tournament.

Brown told the WST’s official website: “It would mean everything. It doesn’t get much bigger than this and it’s what you play snooker for.

“It’s been a long time coming but it’s one good win and I’m here to win the tournament. It’s not being big-headed in any way but I just know what I’m capable of.”

Defeat continued a miserable campaign for Robertson, who has yet to reach the last 32 of a ranking event this season and has indicated he will return home to take a short break from the game.Shaun Murphy held his nerve to pot the final black and edge out Marco Fu 4-3, after the Hong Kong man had recovered from 3-1 down to force the decider.

Jack Lisowski delivered a break of 138 as he sunk Jackson Page 4-1, while 17-year-old Stan Moody reached the last 32 of a ranking event for the first time after his 4-1 win over veteran Rod Lawler.