Gould beats Allen to reach last 16 of UK Championship

Martin Gould upset ninth seed Mark Allen on Tuesday to reach the last 16 of the UK Championship in York.

In an entertaining encounter, the world number 24 combined some steady potting with a strong safety game to beat Allen, a former UK semi-finalist, 6-4.

They shared the first four frames, with Gould at one point on for a maximum until he ran out of position and missed the eighth black, while Allen also rattled in a 107.

The Pinner Potter won three frames in a row to open up a 4-2 lead but Allen hit back with his second century, a 102, to narrow the gap.

They shared the next two to set up a tense finish but Gould saved his best until last, a clearance of 98 sending him into the fourth round.

Afterwards, Gould said: “It was a very good game, very attacking. I did throw in the odd few safety shots to confuse everybody, as I’m not known for that.

“I scored well, created some opportunities and took advantage of them.”

His next opponent is 46-year-old Joe Swail, a former top 10 player now ranked 58 in the world, who beat Michael Holt 6-1 on Monday.

Gould played down the fact he is the bookies’ favourite to win that and reach the quarter-finals, adding: “Joe played very well last night against Michael.

“When you’re in the last 16 you know you’re not going to get an easy match.”