Mark Allen beats Reanne Evans in frosty British Open clash

Mark Allen has beaten Reanne Evans 3-2 in the British Open first round, a highly-anticipated grudge match that was frosty from the off after Evans refused to bump fists with the father of her child.

The pair reportedly split acrimoniously in 2008 after a three-year relationship, but a dispute over child maintenance payments for their 14-year-old daughter has soured things. It follows on from an awkward moment at the World Championship earlier this year – Evans, who was working as a BBC pundit, left a practice table in the studio after Allen complained her presence was too much of a distraction.

The clash in this tournament, dubbed the ‘Battle of the Exes’, was the first time that they have ever faced each other, and the tension was clear from the off. Although it was clear that the crowd was largely on the side of the 12-times women’s world champion, it would be the Antrim man who would ultimately triumph as victory in the battle.

I just want to play snooker. That’s all it was to me, a snooker match

– Mark Allen

The first frame was Allen’s and then, buoyed by the support of the crowd, Evans levelled at 1-1. It was a chance for Allen in the third, but he faltered and Evans stepped in with a 56 to move within one frame of what might have been considered the most notable win of her career. In frame four, the match looked to be Evans’ for the taking – she was in first, and in among the balls. She made a 60 break and then, on frame-ball red, she missed by fractions. The red wobbled in the jaws, and Allen returned to the table, making a superb clearance to force a decider. He kept up the momentum, finding a long red and then making 68 to all-but secure the win. Evans fought on for the three snookers required to keep herself in the tournament, but it was one battle too far.

After the match, Allen said: “It was awful and I wouldn’t want to do it again really.

“She potted some brilliant balls under pressure. That puts you under pressure because then your safety has to be pinpoint and mine wasn’t quite there. She was very unfortunate not to go on and win 3-1.

“I just want to play snooker. That’s all it was to me, a snooker match. A win in the first round of the British Open and I move on.”

Evans said: “I was told at the start no handshakes or anything. In my head, I had visualised the match and just went straight to the table.

“No one wanted that match but you have to respect the top players. I am absolutely gutted but I am really proud at the same time. Hopefully more girls and women start playing snooker and realise that they can do it as well.”