Hendry ends Allen run in Belfast

Home favourite Mark Allen’s fantastic run at the Northern Ireland Trophy finally came to an end as experience told against Stephen Hendry.

The world amateur champion lost to seven-time world champion Hendry, beaten 5-1 in this evening’s quarter-final clash at the Waterfront Hotel in Belfast.

But after losing out to one of the most experienced players in the world, Allen can take heart from a successful international tour debut which has seen him beat six-time world champion Steve Davis and last year’s British Open winner John Higgins.

Hendry took a close first frame by a 61-58 margin, neither player having compiled a break of note, before Allen rattled in a 57 run to draw all square.

However, that was as good as it got for the youngster as Hendry reeled off four frames in succession to win the match and booked his place in the semi-finals, where he will now meet fellow Scot Alan McManus.

Breaks of 44, 51 and 54 gave the Scot victory over his 19-year-old opponent.

Meanwhile, Glasgow’s Alan McManus fired his was to a 5-1 victory over Joe Swail, ending local interest with the Irishman’s exit.

McManus won the opening frame with a break of 50 then pinched the second with a 32 clearance.

Contributions of 40 and 50 put the world number 12 3-0 up before two-time world semi-finalist Swail cleared from blue to black for 3-1.

McManus compiled a special 140 total clearance to extend his lead and settled the tie with 45 and 40 in frame six, the match lasting 1h 46mins 30 secs.