Mark Allen bounces back from Crucible disappointment to claim Helsinki Cup snooker title in Finland with remarkable comeback win over Zhang Anda

React to this story

Former world No. 1 Mark Allen produced five centuries on Sunday as wins over Ali Carter and Zhang Anda saw him claim the eight-man TAOM Helsinki International Cup in Finland. The Northern Irishman opened his campaign with a 4-2 win over Kyren Wilson on Saturday, before finding his scoring touch in his run to lifting the trophy. World No. 1 Judd Trump lost 4-1 to Zhang in the quarter-finals.

Allen survives big scare to make 147 maximum – and celebrates before final ball goes in

Video credit: TNT Sports

Mark Allen enjoyed a winning return to form at the TAOM Helsinki International Cup in Finland on Sunday as he claimed the invitational title with a 6-3 final win over Zhang Anda.

After defeating world No. 2 Kyren Wilson 4-2 on Saturday, the former UK and Masters holder edged defending champion Ali Carter 5-4 in the semi-finals on Sunday, before defeating Zhang in the final.

Allen watched Zhang move 3-0 clear before producing breaks of 79, 105, 74, 104 and 72 to reel off six straight frames in claiming the title before a vociferous crowd.

Halo World Championship

'Are they special?' - Hendry on big problem facing UK potters after Allen miss

06/07/2026 at 16:16

The Northern Irishman had also made three centuries, of 140, 133 and 101, in winning three straight frames from 4-2 down in the last four against Carter, who weighed in with a 115 contribution of his own.

The eight-man tournament, boasting a £210,000 prize fund, was supported by sell-out 1400 attendances at the capital's House of Culture with a Snooker Shoot event won by Williams on Friday night.

Allen lost 13-6 to Chris Wakelin in the last 16 of the World Championship in Sheffield last month despite producing a maximum 147 break, the 15th at the Crucible since 1977.

The former world No. 1 will aim to carry his scoring form into the new 2025/26 season which gets underway next month, with the qualifiers for the Wuhan Open being staged in Leicester.