Holder Mark Allen back in NI Open final after 6-2 win over Robertson

Mark Allen is through to the final of the Northern Ireland Open after a comprehensive 6-2 victory over tournament favourite Neil Robertson.

Allen was in control throughout, racing to a 3-1 lead in front of a partisan crowd and while Robertson managed to pull things back to 4-2, Allen cruised into a final showdown with Zhou Yuelong.

"I really enjoyed it. I done good things at the right time. To do it on a re-spot in front of the crazy fans here in Belfast was really nice," said Allen afterwards.

"I don't feel like I've played my best stuff this week, but what I've had is a really good attitude."

Zhou Yuelong has reached his third ranking final after seeing off Anthony McGill in the first semi-final.

The 24-year-old Chinese will face Allen in the final following a 6-4 victory on Saturday afternoon.

Zhou previously met Robertson in the 2020 European Masters final, where he was thrashed 9-0.

However, he goes into the final at Waterfront Hall in fine form after some high-level snooker in his win over McGill.

The pair traded the lead as the match reached 4-4 before Zhou pulled clear with a break of 127, going on to secure his place in the final.