Mark Allen beaten by Yuan Sijun in final-frame decider at Welsh Open

Mark Allen suffered a shock 4-3 defeat to Yuan Sijun of China in the second round of the Welsh Open in Llandudno on Wednesday.

Yuan took the opening frame, but the world number eight from Antrim responded with breaks of 52 and 105 to move into the lead.

A scrappy fourth frame went the way of Yuan, who then edged ahead with a knock of 70 in the fifth frame.

Allen forced a decider in which the Chinese player prevailed on a 81-59 scoreline to advance.

Home favourite Mark Williams, who won the title back in 1996 and 1999, was unable to mount a charge as he succumbed 4-2 to Stephen Maguire.

Maguire got the better of Williams in a workmanlike contest, keeping his own prospects of qualifying for next month's World Grand Prix via a final-four finish.

Welsh pair Jackson Page and Jamie Jones remained in the hunt after they made their way into the last 16.

Another local hope Jamie Clarke benefited from a bye following Ronnie O’Sullivan’s late withdrawal but was unable to take advantage as he went down 4-3 to Matthew Selt.

Neil Robertson was on the wrong end of an unexpected defeat, beaten 4-3 by Tom Ford.

Robertson forced a decider after going from 3-0 down to level pegging, but found Ford in clinical form as he reeled off a break of 131.

John Higgins, who has won this tournament on a record five occasions, completed his serene progress through the draw by following up a 4-0 win over Graeme Dott with the same score against Robert Milkins.