Mark Allen of Northern Ireland claims to have “dragged” Zhang Anda “down to my level” during the Players Championship final.
In the Telford final, Allen trailed 3-0 and 6-5 but rallied to win 10-8 against Zhang of China, who had advanced through by defeating John Higgins and Mark Selby.
Allen won his eleventh career ranking title via attritional triumph.
“I’m not quite sure how I won that this week,” Allen stated.
Despite victories over Gary Wilson and Ali Carter, Allen, who defeated Mark Williams in his opening-round match, claims he “just got progressively worse” as the competition went on.
“I persevered,” he continued.
“Zhang’s performance was below what it had been all week. Here I am, seated with the Prize is the only thing that counts. We can now reflect on the ifs, buts, and maybes, but for now, I’m delighted that I won the tournament.”
Mark Allen fights Zhang Anda to win in the end.
Zhang, the opponent, won his maiden ranking championship in the November International Championship, to much acclaim from Allen.
“I felt like he was dominant and I was just pinched a few close ones there, but as the match went on he missed a few that he hadn’t missed in the early part and he did look a little tired, but it’s understandable,” Allen stated.
“He’s had a fantastic season, and based on his current play, I believe he will be around for a very long time.”
“He is a really hazardous opponent. Today, I simply brought him down to my level.”
Allen was pleased that he is now “a consistent winner” after winning his sixth championship in two seasons.
“I’ve always aspired to accomplish that. It wasn’t what I wanted to be, picking up one tournament every two or three seasons,” he remarked.
“It’s not for me to remain consistent and go to the latter stages while maintaining your rating. A journeyman is not what I want to be.
“So, the kind of return I’m looking for is to be here with six events in roughly 20 months.
There are many things to be happy about. If I could simply feel a little more at ease with my technique, I believe I could have been a serious threat in these recent tournaments.
“Now everyone knows that I can win without playing well, but it would be nice to find some form because I think I could be dangerous then.”
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