Mark Allen admits he was ‘completely outplayed’ in 6-1 UK Championship loss to Scott Donaldson

Mark Allen was eliminated from the UK Championship on Monday night, and he admitted that he was “completely outplayed” by Scott Donaldson in the first round clash. 

The Scottish player came through qualifying to earn his spot at the York Barbican and he is making the most of the hard-fought opportunity.

The Pistol misfired when it mattered and he never looked like troubling Donaldson, who went on to secure a deserved 6-1 victory. 

The crowning moment arrived during the seventh frame, when the 31-year-old Scot capitalised on a missed brown to win the match. 

https://twitter.com/tntsports/status/1995781972677767341

Donaldson’s UK Championship journey has been an emotional rollercoaster as he still comes to terms with his father’s passing in October. He was fighting back tears as he walked into the arena ahead of the match with his opponent. 

Mark Allen graciously acknowledged Donaldson’s personal struggles, but was frank when asked about his prospects to go on and win the tournament, with the UK Championship £250,000 winner’s prize on the line.

“He’s been through a hell of a lot,’ said the Antrim man. Northern Irishman.

“Just to be still playing and competing, given the problems he had through COVID and the long-term effects of that, and then obviously his father passed away very suddenly.

‘It takes a big, big character just to continue playing. I don’t know how I’d feel if my father passed away. I don’t think I’d want to be turning up for the next tournament or two, so all credit to Scott.” 

Mark Allen gives ‘honest answer’ to Donaldson question

When asked if he could go all the way, Allen made this response: 

“‘No, I don’t think he can. I don’t think he’s going to play to that level every round, he said.

“I think people are going to put him under more pressure than I put him under. He’s been a pro for a long time and he hasn’t come close, so I don’t see a change this week.

“I’d love him to, but you’re asking me for an honest answer and I’m always going to give it. I’m sure there wouldn’t be a more fitting winner than Scott this week, given everything he’s gone through recently, but no, I don’t think so,” added Mark Allen. 

Scott Donaldson to face Ding Junhui in UK Championship second round

On Tuesday morning, the 2025 English Open winner took to his X account to express his dissatisfaction with his performance: 

“Not the performance I wanted last night but all credit to Scott. He’s been through a lot in recent months and thoroughly deserved that win. 

“Completely outplayed me in all departments. Back to the practice table for me.”

Mark Allen came in for criticism from fans commenting on social media after the late finish on Monday. 

Many lamented the time taken to play shots, believing this was a deliberate tactic to frustrate Donaldson, while others were simply bemused at the slow, negative style that Mark Allen appears to have adopted in recent times. 

As for the winner, Scott Donaldson now progresses to the second round, where he will play Ding Junhui later this week. 

As an honest professional more familiar with plying his trade on the qualifying circuit, he admitted to not being overly comfortable in the big arenas, but he just wants to let his snooker do the talking. 

“I don’t treat results as the be-all and end-all, I’m always trying hard regardless of how bad I’m playing, so that’s all I can really give myself, I always try 100 per cent,” he said.

“I play snooker for a living and I enjoy it. I actually really enjoy the qualifiers, because there’s no fuss around it, it’s just a game of snooker, you and your opponent and that’s it, you just walk off.

“I’m quite a quiet person generally, so I don’t really like these big arenas and big crowds, it’s just not my personality, but once I’m on the table, I can connect to it, because that’s what I do for a living.”