“I did not really feel too dangerous going into the final body as a result of, from 5-3 as much as 5-5 I did not do a lot unsuitable, John froze me out,” mentioned Allen.

“I missed two actually tough photographs, so I used to be simply trying ahead to the decider and to hopefully getting the prospect.

“When John missed a protracted crimson initially and received away with it, I used to be fearing the worst.

“However I performed a couple of good security photographs there, received one other probability and made probably the most of it.”

Double Masters champion Higgins final gained the title 18 years in the past and was understandably hungry to finish his forgettable barren run at snooker’s most prestigious invitational event.

The 48-year-old Scot gained a scrappy opening framing earlier than Allen fluked the ultimate black to degree issues.

Breaks of 83 and 80 noticed Higgins lead 3-1 on the interval, however the four-time world champion missed a good probability to open up a three-frame cushion – and that gave Allen the chance to struggle again.

The Antrim participant duly reeled off 4 frames in a row, with high breaks of 123 and 58, to edge inside one body of victory.

Higgins responded with runs of 58 and 61 to take the match the gap, however Allen completed the job with a composed break of 86.

“I definitely really feel a bit punch drunk after dropping,” mentioned Higgins.

“From 3-1 in entrance I by no means capitalised. I missed a couple of horrible balls.

“I managed to dig in, however Mark produced a terrific break within the remaining body. He is received improbable bottle and he confirmed it.”