Welsh Open 2024 snooker quarter-finals live – Martin O'Donnell stuns Luca Brecel after John Higgins ends Mark Allen bid

Updated 16/02/2024 at 22:12 GMT

Welcome back to Eurosport's live coverage of the 2024 Welsh open and it is quarter-final day! John Higgins completed a dominant 5-2 win over Mark Allen in Friday's opening match before Elliot Slessor completed a 5-3 win over Dominic Dale in the second match of the day. World champion Luca Brecel then lost 5-3 to Martin O'Donnell with Gary Wilson drubbing Anthony McGill 5-0 on Friday night.

‘A Brecel special’ - Luca makes frame-winning break in six minutes after stunning opening red

Thanks for joining us

Been another captivating day of snooker at the Welsh Open in Llandudno. We will be back at 12:45pm tomorrow for more live updates with man of the moment Martin O'Donnell up against Elliot Slessor in the first semi-final before five-time champion John Higgins takes on Gary Wilson at 7pm. See you then.

Welsh Open

Wilson 'over the moon' with Welsh Open triumph, White tips him for deep run at Crucible

00:05:55

19/02/2024 at 07:34

Ronnie praises O'Donnell quality

"If you are clinical against someone like Luca, you will get your chances," said O'Sullivan on Eurosport. "It is just whether you take them. You are going to get chances. It got a bit twitchy at the end, but he was clinical. If you miss a few, it is over before you can even think."

Result: Brecel 3-5 O'Donnell

Brecel: "Martin just played unbelievable. He plays perfect all the time against me. I thought I didn't play bad myself, but he was just too good. Today was one of my best games of the week, but I lost. It's a funny game."

O'Donnell on his return to the main circuit this season: "I promised myself if I got back on tour, I would try and play where it is not a pint of blood every time. Life goes on. I've got two lovely kids and a fiancee at home. They'll still love you if you miss 15 blacks off the spots. It just about having a bit of perspective."

Welsh Open Results

Mark Allen 2-5 John Higgins 12pm
Dominic Dale 3-5 Elliot Slessor 2pm
Gary Wilson 5-0 Anthony McGill 7pm
Martin O'Donnell 5-3 Luca Brecel 7pm

Brecel 3-4 O'Donnell (59-70)

A sublime pot on the black by O'Donnell as the black races down the green bag to seal the victory. That is a magical effort from the Minister. He is through to the last four to face Elliot Slessor in the semi-finals on Saturday afternoon. What a finish to a superb match.

Brecel 3-4 O'Donnell (59-63)

Down to the black. Luca played the black along top cush at pace. Like a shot to nothing. Doesn't drop, but black runs safe.

Brecel 3-4 O'Donnell (48-63)

O'Donnell has had several chances to win this, but not taken and suddenly Luca is back in business with a cut on a red to left centre and a blue.

Brecel 3-4 O'Donnell (33-63)

And O'Donnell hasn't put the match away. Was a tough cut as red stayed out, but Brecel then misses red to left middle and the Minister is handed another chance to get it won. But he misses frame ball pink off spot. Tried to nurse it into pocket. Tension is mounting. A lead of 30 points with a possible 35 remaining.

Brecel 3-4 O'Donnell (33-40)

A great recovery pot on a black using the rest to stay at the table. And he develops a few more reds seconds later. What a chance then for O'Donnell to book his spot in the last four. Will Luca get another shot in this match?

Brecel 3-4 O'Donnell (33-16)

But he misses a black off the spot on 33. Well, didn't expect that to happen. Huge moments for Martin O'Donnell in this match.

Brecel 3-4 O'Donnell (24-0)

Loose safety shot by Martin sees Luca bin a long red, and he looks to be up and running again here. Black is back on its spot. Are we heading for a deciding frame? Every chance now the way Brecel puts away these balls.

Brecel 3-3 O'Donnell (49-74)

O'Donnell clears to the pink, and suddenly he is one frame from the semi-finals. Really has been a display full of character tonight to keep pace with the world champion.

‘A Brecel special’ - Luca makes frame-winning break in six minutes after stunning opening red

Brecel 3-3 O'Donnell (49-54)

No winning surge to the line this time. Five points the Brecel lead with two reds left up. A taut end to the frame. Excellent pot by Martin on red to green bag, and in goes green to right centre. This is a quality effort from the Minister. Onto the colours with a lead of five points.

Brecel 3-3 O'Donnell (25-44)

O'Donnell so unfortunate to see a red down the table stay out. Looked in all the way to yellow bag, but somehow just wriggled out the jaws. Brecel back in the hunt as he slides a red along top cush seconds later.

Wilson 5-0 McGill

Gary Wilson takes out the fifth frame on the final black by a point, and he is through to meet John Higgins in the semi-finals. Terrific win for the Scottish Open champion.

Brecel 3-3 O'Donnell (1-16)

Brecel floats in a long red, but then miscues trying to drain a green. Martin immediately spots a plant on two reds. Which he drops in. And suddenly he is up and running again here.

Brecel 3-2 O'Donnell (10-130)

Magnificent from the MOD. Really is. In full control of his cue ball and his temperament. A total clearance of 130, and this match is level again at 3-3.

Brecel 3-2 O'Donnell (10-51)

We've had half-centuries in every frame of this. Which just shows the level of quality on display. O'Donnell does not look like the world No. 76.

Brecel 3-2 O'Donnell (10-27)

The Minister is not for taking a step back as he drops in a long red and the white hangs about in the middle of the table. So this is a chance then to establish the lead in the sixth frame.

Brecel 3-2 O'Donnell (10-0)

A rare safety shot by Brecel. That is not really his idea of a good time on a snooker table. Lovely long red again at the outset of the sixth frame.

Brecel 2-2 O'Donnell (76-0)

Just a powerhouse display of potting here as he races to 70 in five minutes. A break of 76 gives the Belgian Bullet a 3-2 lead six minutes after the restart. Crunched home that long red, and never looked back. Luca is inevitable.

Brecel 2-2 O'Donnell (30-0)

An engrossing battle for supremacy, but Brecel sprints out of the blocks with a sublime long red before driving the white into the reds via the brown. And the pack has opened delightfully. What a chance this is. Out of nowhere. Classic Luca.

Wilson 4-0 McGill

Breaks of 92, 71 and 76 sees Gary Wilson ease 4-0 clear of McGill.

Brecel 2-1 O'Donnell (0-65)

A solid 61 break from the Minister is more than enough to restore parity at 2-2. This quarter-final well in the mixer as they head off for a cuppa. Gary WIlson is 3-0 ahead of Anthony McGill on the other table.

Brecel 2-1 O'Donnell (0-57)

The Minister is hitting the white well at close range. Getting through the shots with authority. Forced the mistake from Brecel, and is making good on his start to this break. Not the fastest player, but is certainly not negative either. Needs one more red to leave Luca needing snookers.

Brecel 2-1 O'Donnell (0-10)

O'Donnell wins the latest safety battle as Brecel clatters the reds trying to get white back up the table to baulk. Chance presents itself to Martin, who you could probably describe as a studious sort of snooker player. Meanwhile, Gary Wilson moves 2-0 ahead of Anthony McGill on the other table with a 92 break in the second frame.

Brecel 1-1 O'Donnell (75-18)

This is another magical contribution from Brecel to move 2-1 clear. He doesn't miss many when he is in peak form. And he looks like he is close to optimum form out there tonight. Solid pair of 75s from Luca to establish the lead. One more frame before the mid-session interval.

Brecel 1-1 O'Donnell (31-18)

Brecel seeing that white do some serious travelling up and down table, but still at table as break reaches 31.

Brecel 1-1 O'Donnell (1-18)

Stunning long red by the Minister to gain access to the table. Standing up well to the focus and challenge of taking on Brecel, but a bad miss on a red hands Luca chance to get moving again.

Brecel 1-1 O'Donnell (0-5)

Another fluke on a red for O'Donnell, who is enjoying some decent running in this match, it must be said. Brecel has just taken about one second to escape from a tough snooker. Brilliant snooker brain. Made that look so easy.

Brecel 0-1 O'Donnell (75-0)

Playing for just over seven minutes in the frame, and Brecel has already got this frame under lock and key. Back to 1-1 with a rapid 75. The Minister missed one pot on a red and paid the price. Gary Wilson leads Anthony McGill 1-0 on the other table.

Brecel 0-1 O'Donnell (46-0)

Luca looks to be in his element out there. Bouncing around the table with real intent. Brilliant to watch in full flow.

Brecel 0-1 O'Donnell (22-0)

Brecel picks out a fine mid-range red and holds for black after the Minister missed a red to the right centre. Luca looking at getting hand on table. Makes this game look so easy.

Brecel 0-0 O'Donnell (0-88)

88 straight off the bat from O'Donnell, who leads 1-0 in the race to five. That is a very nice opening frame from the the world No. 76.

Brecel 0-0 O'Donnell (0-59)

O'Donnell looking very steady among the balls with the fluke offering him a timely helping hand. A very nice start to this contest. Every chance here to take out the opening frame in one hit. Lovely screw shot on white to bring it back for the black. An ideal start for the Minister.

Brecel 0-0 O'Donnell (0-26)

Well, a fortunate piece of running for O'Donnell, who goes for a long red to green bag, but sees red fly across table and drop in the left centre pocket. The MOD will take those all night long.

Brecel 0-0 O'Donnell (0-0)

Off we go then on the main showpiece table. O'Donnell leads 3-0 on the career head-to-heads, completing a 4-2 win over the world champion in the last 32 of the Scottish Open before Christmas.

What has happened today at Welsh Open?

Read the latest report:

IN-FORM JOHN HIGGINS REMAINS ON COURSE FOR GLORY WITH QUARTER-FINAL WIN OVER MARK ALLEN

John Higgins got the better of Mark Allen to seal his place in the semi-finals of the Welsh Open with a 5-2 victory. The in-form Higgins, who is searching for a record-extending sixth title in Llandudno, faced his sternest test yet but proved far too strong for the world No. 3. Higgins made four half-centuries and a total clearance of 131 as he put on a show for the fans in Wales. Read more here

World champion Brecel in action

It’s a quick turnaround for the evening session, with Luca Brecel taking on Martin O’Donnell - with Gary Wilson and Anthony McGill also in action.

Dale 3-4 Slessor (34-73)

In goes the green this time, and Dale offers Elliot the handshake. A 5-3 win for Slessor, who will face Luca Brecel or Martin O'Donnell in the semi-finals.

Dale 3-4 Slessor (34-70)

Slessor hits the blue trying to escape from a snooker so leaves the door slightly ajar here. 25 left up, 36 the difference.

Dale 3-4 Slessor (29-70)

Looks like frame and match is heading to Elliot here. Plenty of drama in this quarter-final, but it looks like job done with one red left up. In goes the final red. Slessor a 5-3 winner surely. And in goes the yellow. All over.

Dale 3-4 Slessor (29-43)

Elliot into the lead by six points. Needs the remaining four reds with colours to seal the deal, but he is out of position on 43. End of break. Shakes his head. Slessor spurning two chances in the past two frames to put this match to bed. But he plays a fine safety shot. Dale hits the red, but has left it.

Dale 3-4 Slessor (29-14)

Delightful shot on black to open the reds from Dale, who is fighting the good fight here. Until he misses a straight black off the spot. Didn't see that coming. Opportunity knocks for Slessor.

Dale 3-4 Slessor (7-0)

Slessor breaks off in this eighth frame. A few fans arriving for the evening session at the moment. Dale clips in a cut on a red to yellow pocket as he bids to force this to a deciding frame.

Dale 2-4 Slessor (60-18)

Dominic almost over the line in this frame. Both players missing key balls at key moments. Dale takes out the final reds he needs to leave Slessor in his seat. We are heading for a penultimate frame in this quarter-final. Or will it be the final frame? A 4-3 lead for Slessor.

Dale 2-4 Slessor (39-18)

Huge fluke for Dale on a red trying to run safe back to baulk. And suddenly Dominic is back in the box seat. Still life in this match yet then.

Dale 2-4 Slessor (24-18)

Another chance comes and goes as Slessor misses a black off the spot. Tried to roll it in, but lacked the direction on the pot and that is a frustrating moment.

Dale 2-4 Slessor (24-17)

Super pot on a red by Elliot from distance and drops in a yellow to right middle. Chance then for Slessor to make a winning run to the line in this match.

Dale 2-4 Slessor (24-0)

Slessor continues to read his notes after trying to escape from a snooker, but leaves Dale in among the balls. The Welshman should produce a hefty break with all these reds wide open. But he looks to be out of position early on in this visit to the table. Story of the match for him. Goes for a pot on green from distance, but well off the potting angle.

Dale 2-4 Slessor (0-0)

Off we go then for the seventh frame of a possible nine. Slessor seeking one more frame for victory. Dale breaks off.

Dale 2-3 Slessor (19-66)

Dominic again had his chances, but Elliot bins the red he needs and blue after a poor safety shot by his opponent. And Dale has seen enough of this frame. Slessor looking for one more frame to secure a meeting with Luca Brecel or Martin O'Donnell in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Dale 2-3 Slessor (19-60)

Dale unfortunate to see a white disappear down the yellow pocket after running thin off one of the final two reds. Slessor only needs one more red in this frame to leave Dominic needing a snooker.

Dale 2-3 Slessor (19-56)

Fine cut on a red by Slessor, but doesn't land on the next colour. Just the roll off the black up to baulk. 37 points the difference, a possible 43 remaining.

Dale 2-3 Slessor (19-55)

Dale looking to launch a key recovery again in this sixth frame. What a huge moment this could be coming up. But he is quickly out of position. And can't nudge in a cut on a pink with extended rest. Still three reds left on table.

Dale 2-3 Slessor (1-55)

This is delightful stuff from Slessor. Can he weigh in with another timely contribution? But just when he looked all set by doing the hard part, he runs out of position on 55. Disappointing end to that break. Still 75 left up.

Dale 2-3 Slessor (1-38)

Elliot in prime position after cracking open the pack of reds off the black that Dominic left over the top pocket. Has developed this break very nicely so far.

Dale 2-3 Slessor (1-8)

A stunning long red by Dominic, but he misses the black trying to hold for the next red. And Slessor mops up the red Dale was trying to land on.

Dale 2-3 Slessor (0-0)

Going to be a re-rack in this sixth frame. Slessor still two frames short of a semi-final spot as he breaks off for a second time.

Dale 1-3 Slessor (77-33)

Slessor seemed to lose his concentration at the key moment in that fifth frame by missing a key red. Twice he has missed that sort of red from left to right in this match.

‘Stay in the moment’ - White offers view on Slessor reading notes during Welsh Open quarter-final

Dale 1-3 Slessor (62-33)

Down to the final two reds in this fifth frame, and looks like Dale is going to claim this frame out of nowhere. A quickfire break of 30 looks like holding sway. Slessor could have been 4-1 clear, but suddenly Dale right back in the hunt. Slessor needing two snookers otherwise this match is back to 3-2.

Dale 1-3 Slessor (32-33)

But he then throws in a shocker on a red having raced to 33. Not sure how he has missed that. Easy starter for Dale, who has been handed plenty of opportunities in this contest.

Dale 1-3 Slessor (19-27)

This looks very ominous for Dale in the opposite seat. Slessor is clearly growing in confidence the longer this match progresses.

Dale 1-3 Slessor (19-16)

Cracking long red by Elliot to regain access to the table. That is a brilliant pot. Really is. Like a Judd Trump special.

‘Got a spring in his step’ - Slessor makes 69th career century against Dale at Welsh Open

Dale 1-3 Slessor (19-0)

Dom breaks off the fifth frame, and comes up with a fine effort as white ball sticks to the baulk cushion. Dom benefits by stroking home a mid-range red seconds later. Vital that he starts to score. Straight into the pack of reds off blue, but loses the white ball on 14. Rolls in blue to the yellow bag to recover break, but then butchers attempt on red to same bag. Frustrating times for Dale.

Dale 1-2 Slessor (28-84)

Both players head for their dressing rooms. Work to be done for Dale otherwise his golden run will end at the quarter-final stage.

Dale 1-2 Slessor (28-73)

45 the lead with a possible 35 left on table. Three snookers required otherwise Slessor has won three straight frames.

Dale 1-2 Slessor (28-72)

But he can only make 28 before a bad miss on a red surely ends his hopes in this frame. Slessor heading for a 3-1 lead at the break. His cuppa will go down nicely. Dale not taking the chances that have come his way so far.

Dale 1-2 Slessor (22-57)

Big moments in this match. Slessor misses mid-range red on 57, and Dale returns to table chasing the counter punch. Opens a few reds off pack so decent chance to get right back in the frame.

Dale 1-2 Slessor (0-41)

Slessor is really starting to motor around the table. First to the punch in this frame, and is looking to ram home the feel-good factor that is suddenly enshrining his touch. Brimming with confidence it seems. Really good to watch too.

Dale 1-2 Slessor (0-0)

One more frame before the mid-session interval as Slessor breaks off for the fourth frame of a possible nine. Dom would dearly love to get out of this at 2-2 with Slessor starting to flow.

Dale 1-1 Slessor (1-128)

His 69th career century is delivered in style, and the confidence is flowing through his cue. Dale suddenly 2-1 behind as Elliot clears the table with a terrific break of 128.

Dale 1-1 Slessor (1-87)

Could be a century on the cards for Sless at this visit. Elliot not hanging around out there. Has his eyes on the prize of a semi-final place in Llandudno.

Dale 1-1 Slessor (1-56)

Slessor is really starting to hit this white ball with some authority. Dale forced to sit and suffer as Slessor bounds beyond the 50-mark for a second straight frame.

Dale 1-1 Slessor (1-17)

Dale gets massive kick trying to roll in a green to left centre after banging in a long red. Another chance slips away from Dom, and Elliot is looking to get himself moving here.

Dale 1-0 Slessor (41-82)

Looks like we are heading all square at 1-1. In goes the green he needs to finish off the frame. And Dominic won't be coming back to the table. Nice 54 to finish off the frame. Given a second chance and didn't falter. Sless fighting back.

Dale 1-0 Slessor (41-43)

Taking these balls nicely so far, but he misses the black off the spot on 41. That is a bad miss when it looked like he was heading for a 2-0 lead. Only 41 when the balls were at his mercy. Elliot handed chance to return to table.

Dale 1-0 Slessor (24-28)

Can you believe it? Slessor opens up the pack of reds off the blue, but doesn't land nicely on a red and ends up missing a tricky cut on a red using the rest. Elliot forced to sit and digest what Dale is going to come up with here.

Dale 1-0 Slessor (0-16)

Dale with an attacking safety to bring some reds into play. Slessor goes for a long red, but he overhits the object ball. Dale then produces another poor safety attempt. This time Slessor slots long red followed by black. Chance to get some table time then to build a lead.

Dale 0-0 Slessor (85-38)

Elliot misses red for a second time before white disappears. And that is going to be the first frame to Dom, who looks to be in good form out there. Striking the ball with real intent.

Dale 0-0 Slessor (63-38)

Taking these balls with some composure as he races towards the final two reds on top cushion. Goes for a tough red along the cush, but it doesn't drop. Just couldn't get the final reds off the cushion, and that is a relief for Dale, who moves 21 points clear with one red left up. Leaves Slessor in a snooker. Which he can't escape from.

Dale 0-0 Slessor (51-16)

51 from Dale before red to left middle eludes the Welshman. And he has thrown Slessor the chance to mount a counter attack in this opening frame.

Dale 0-0 Slessor (38-0)

First meeting of these players on the main professional circuit. Dominic has made a solid start to this match. Cue ball under tight control so far. And he is getting on with it too.

Dale 0-0 Slessor (18-0)

Excellent long blue to yellow bag by Dom after dropping in red. Very nice indeed. That is a real shot in the arm when you see those go in. So hand on table, and chance to compile some points.

Dale 0-0 Slessor (0-0)

Very cagey start to this match, but some very fine safety being played. Big crowd inside the venue supporting local hope Dominic Dale."

Result: Allen 2-5 Higgins

Mark Allen: "I had my chances, but I struggled today. John played better today. I just didn't play well enough today. That's the bottom line."

John Higgins: "I thought I hit it really well today. I was getting through the ball a little bit better today, and I think I was the better player today. I scored better than Mark. He's a brilliant player, an elite player, so that is a great win for me. I'm delighted. I felt good at 2-2. I threw away at least one of those frames, but I was still happy and positive to come back out. It'd be amazing to win a sixth title, but I've got two more tough matches to come."

Allen 2-4 Higgins (6-61)

Allen goes for a tough red along the top cushion, Higgins takes out the red he needs and the handshake comes from Allen. He is through to the semi-finals with a 5-2 win. Dominant in the end for the Scottish icon.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (6-60)

Frame and match ball for Higgins, but can't nudge that long red home and suddenly Allen has chance to mount a recovery as he thumps a lovely long red down a top bin. But he has snookered himself on next red off the blue. That is astonishing. Allen looks a tad disillusioned.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (0-60)

Well, Higgins pulls off a plant on the reds with 67 left on the table. Tries to knock a brown safe. Allen last potted a ball 41 minutes ago. Which shows what has happened since the mid-session break.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (0-59)

Tough red from side cushion, but the object ball stays out. So, so close to seeing this match out. He's not left a pot for Allen. So no damage done. Higgins only looking for a red and a colour in this frame.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (0-59)

Great long red by John to break the safety stalemate. And he drops in pink with a touch of side from distance. Not far from the winning line, but still needs some decent pots here to see this out. In goes another red with an excellent cut. And the blue disappears.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (0-46)

A break of 46 from Higgins, but no winning thrust with white ball control just eluding him at the key moment. Allen goes for another long red, but once again nothing doing at that visit. Higgins not left with a red to go at. So just safety coming up.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (0-46)

John looking to pick off the loose reds before attacking the pack. Drives the white into the cluster of reds seconds later. Still not clear run to the line, but balls are slowly but surely disappearing. Nips in another decent shot on a red. Was so close to that red, but in goes the object ball.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (0-21)

John with another delightful strike on a blue to the yellow pocket. That really is superb cueing. Confidence is mounting here.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (0-6)

Stunning long red by Higgins right off the bat in this seventh frame. Lands on blue, and has chance to get moving here in frame he needs for victory. Struck that red wonderfully well.

Allen 2-4 Higgins (0-0)

Higgins goes for a long red. Double kiss on red coming back up table, but white runs safe to the top cushion. And there is going to be re-rack in this frame. Frame was going nowhere. No messing about these days in getting the balls reorganised for a seventh frame.

Allen 2-3 Higgins (8-85)

Should have been further ahead at the mid-session break, but has not let the scoreline affect his thought process. Has returned from his cup of tea clearly feeling very good about his game. Quality level of play from the five-time Welsh Open winner. 85 break from John. He is looking for one more frame. Winner of this match will meet Gary Wilson or Anthony McGill in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Higgins flukes final red to seal frame in Welsh Open

Allen 2-3 Higgins (8-62)

Inching towards the frame, and another heavy break on the way too. Fourth break over 50 in the match. Which is very decent indeed.

Allen 2-3 Higgins (8-46)

Delightful shot by Higgins to ram in the blue and open the cluster of reds. Suddenly chance for John to move two ahead with a possible three frames remaining. They're all there for him now.

Allen 2-3 Higgins (8-32)

Doing his work off reds and blues at the moment. Would dearly love to get involved with the black as soon as possible to build this lead. At least two reds available for the potting.

Allen 2-3 Higgins (8-18)

Higgins left with another easy starter of a red to a middle bag after Allen is miles off with an attempt at a long red. This is a golden chance to establish another lead in a frame that could take him one frame short of the winning post.

Allen 2-3 Higgins (8-0)

A poor break-off shot by John sees a red come back up the table, but he gets cover from the green. Mark refuses to attempt a long red in response as he drops in the containing safety. No nearer really to discovering who is going to win this match despite John producing the heavier scoring. Allen then picks out a long red across table to a top pocket. Only a black to follow before the Antrim man runs safe to baulk.

Allen 2-2 Higgins (30-77)

10 minutes since his last pot, but the frame is finally put to bed as Higgins sees a red to the yellow bag race along the baulk cushion and down the green bag. Allen nods, and Higgins is back in front at 3-2.

Allen 2-2 Higgins (30-76)

One red still left on the table. 46 the difference with a possible 35 remaining on the table. Surely a done deal as far this frame is concerned, but Allen continues to search for snookers in this fifth frame.

Allen 2-2 Higgins (14-76)

A brilliant response this from the four-time world champion. One hit break of 76 from the Allen miss, and this is surely a 3-2 lead for the Wishaw professional in the race to five. Allen returns to the table chasing three snookers. Surely is frame over.

Allen 2-2 Higgins (0-45)

Allen attempts a long red, but he rattles the jaws of a top bin and leaves John an early chance to get moving again. Which is what he needs after losing the last two frames among the balls.

Welsh Open Schedule Friday, February 16

‘Sublime cueing’ – In-form Higgins confidently dispatches long red

Mark Allen 2-2 John Higgins 12pm
Dominic Dale v Elliot Slessor 2pm
Gary Wilson v Anthony McGill 7pm
Martin O'Donnell v Luca Brecel 7pm

Allen 1-2 Higgins (75-47)

Higgins laying a couple of nice snookers behind black, but Allen responds strongly to twice escape. So still in control of this frame despite missing a long attempt at a blue. Blunder by Higgins on the blue and Allen rolls it home. And that is that. It is a 2-2 at the break. The Higgins lead disappears.

Allen 1-2 Higgins (70-47)

Higgins takes out the brown. So one snooker needed on the blue to tie this frame. Will he get a chance to come up with the snooker he needs?

Allen 1-2 Higgins (70-43)

Feels like Higgins has missed a trick in this match. Suddenly needing two snookers after missing a thin edge on the green. Looks like 2-2 coming up at the mid-session break.

Allen 1-2 Higgins (24-40)

Another chance comes and goes for John, who fails to snooker his opponent behind the yellow and then compounds the error by missing a red over a top pocket by trying to drop it in. Allen handed a glorious chance to level this match up. Higgins will rue not putting this frame away among the balls.

Allen 1-2 Higgins (8-23)

This is looking like a decent chance for John, but we were here in the previous frame. What is he going to come up with here in response to the Allen missed red.

Allen 1-2 Higgins (8-1)

Allen left welded to the baulk cushion off the Higgins break-off shot, but he comes up with a stunning long red in response. Tries to open the pack, but is left with a tough red to right centre. Which doesn't drop. And Higgins is handed a chance to get hand on table.

Allen 0-2 Higgins (66-21)

Not overly convincing by Mark, but he manages to stagger over the line with a few excellent pots towards the end of the third frame. One more frame before the mid-session interval.

Allen 0-2 Higgins (55-21)

Higgins goes for a long red, but it wriggles in jaws. Was chance to regain access to table, but he sticks up red for Allen, who swerves in red to right centre. Every chance to finish off this frame. Nothing is safe. Should really be 2-1.

Allen 0-2 Higgins (40-21)

Brilliant shot by Mark to crunch into the reds and open up the pack. Drops in another fine red to right centre, and this is a glorious chance to win frame at this visit. But he then lands on nothing off the black. That is a shocker. And Mark knows it. Up against a red. Just a safety shot to come. Reprieve for John.

Allen 0-2 Higgins (17-21)

Well, just when you thought the Scotsman was going to speed off into the distance, he misses a black off the spot. Didn't see that coming. And John is furious with himself. Allen handed an easy opener after last potting a ball 25 minutes ago.

Allen 0-2 Higgins (0-20)

Another very decent opening here for Higgins to gather a nice lead in this third frame. Four or five reds in the opening. So would expect him to put a few points on the board.

Allen 0-2 Higgins (0-1)

Third frame of the day is underway at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Allen breaks off, and Higgins is eyeing up a pop at a long red here. Which he thumps right down the middle of the hole. What a piece of cueing that is.

Allen 0-1 Higgins (0-131)

A total clearance of 131 from Higgins is flawless, and he moves onto 988 centuries. Looking to become the second man in history to reach 1,000 centuries behind Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Allen 0-1 Higgins (0-106)

John looking for his 988th career century at this visit. Which appears likely now. One mistake by Mark and he has been forced to sit and watch this piece of magic from Higgins. Exceptional stuff.

Allen 0-1 Higgins (0-76)

Every chance for Higgins to take out this frame in one hit. Break reaches 67 before he sinks the red he needs for the frame to right centre. Yellow ends Allen's hopes of returning to the table. Chance of a century for Higgins here.

Allen 0-1 Higgins (0-43)

Superb shot by John to clip home blue to left centre. Opens up a few more reds, and this is a chance to really crack on here. Will be looking to go close to claiming this second frame at this visit.

Allen 0-1 Higgins (0-29)

Terrific recovery pot on a red by John after losing the white ball off blue. Certainly seems to be building some momentum out there early doors as he bins another red to the left centre. Made it look easy. Like he does with snooker when he is on top form.

Allen 0-1 Higgins (0-6)

Higgins breaks off for the second frame of a possible nine. Allen leaves Higgins an early go at a pot to the yellow bag. But he can't tickle the red down the pocket. And Allen can't cart home a mid-range red in response. Neither men fully settled in. But John then cuts in a lovely red to land nicely on blue. He gets first go at these balls.

Allen 0-0 Higgins (27-72)

In goes the final red from Higgins, and that is enough for a 1-0 lead. The Scotsman edging a fairly taut opener.

Allen 0-0 Higgins (27-71)

Allen goes for a tough brown to right centre as he tries to run up table for next red, but misses the pot. And Higgins takes out red and black to surely see out the frame. Allen chasing three snookers.

Allen 0-0 Higgins (18-63)

Decent cut on black to remain at table after holing a plant, but he misses frame ball red. A 62 break, but not over the line here in this first frame. Is there going to be a counter attack from Allen?

Allen 0-0 Higgins (10-51)

Higgins left with a tricky red down the side cushion with the extended rest to keep break going. Which he does with some ease. Nice shot to roll that in. Needed potting. In goes the black and he nudges clear another red to right middle. Still a bunch of four reds needing sorting.

Allen 0-0 Higgins (10-35)

Higgins up and down table for green, and back for next red. Trying to get his cue arm working here as he drops in cut on red to land back on black. The reds need opening up at some point.

Allen 0-0 Higgins (10-8)

Higgins drives home a long red, but loses the cue ball and ends up snookering himself behind the pink. Nominates the blue in baulk, but misses it off one cushion before being stuck back in. Opts again for blue, but this time ends up hitting brown. Mark then misses a go at a long red, and sticks up the red for John. Decent chance to get hand on table.

Allen 0-0 Higgins (0-0)

Off we go then for quarter-final Friday. Down to one table. Full house inside Venue Cymru for this blockbuster battle. Higgins left a long red early on, but well off the potting angle. Not too much time to settle down in a best-of-nine frame match. Though there is a mid-session break today after four frames for a cuppa.

Is this the greatest break in history?

2006 world champion Graeme Dott certainly felt so yesterday in a 4-1 loss to world champion Luca Brecel. "I've never seen a better break," said Dott after his defeat in the last 32. Sit back and enjoy this clearance from Luca ahead of his quarter-final meeting with Martin O'Donnell this evening.

‘A special talent’ - Brecel wraps up win over Dott at Welsh Open with stunning clearance

When does O'Sullivan return to action after Welsh Open absence?

World No. 1 Ronnie O'Sullivan will chase a fifth major trophy of the season when he returns to action at the Players Championship in Telford. O'Sullivan has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career with title wins at the Shanghai Masters, UK Championship, Masters and World Grand Prix boosting his prospects of lifting the Players for a third time. Judd Trump is the top seed for the £385,000 event. Read more here

O’Sullivan says Brecel ‘will come good’ but jokes world champion ‘probably buying too many cars’

Welcome back to Llandudno

It is quarter-final day at the final Home Nations Series event of the season. John Higgins and Mark Allen get us up and running. High noon will see the boys on the baize. The duo have already meet three times this season with Allen winning 6-2 in the Champion of Champions semi-finals and 6-5 in the Masters last 16 before Higgins completed a 5-2 win earlier this month in the last 16 of the German Masters. Allen 12-10 ahead on the career head-to-heads. Nothing much between them. So could be a close battle today.