Mark Allen has snapped back at Shaun Murphy in the latest episode of their ongoing feud at the UK Championships.
Allen was knocked out of the tournament on Saturday after a marathon match against Barry Hawkins that lasted five hours.
Hawkins had to fight back from 4-2 and 5-4 down before completing an impressive comeback and reaching his first UK Championship final.
Murphy, who was defeated by Hawkins earlier in the tournament, felt Allen was purposefully delaying the match to try and get into his opponent’s head.
Mark Allen was not happy with Shaun Murphy’s comments
PA
He said: “It’s completely within the rules, he’s not doing anything wrong.
“But at what stage do we question whether the amount of time Mark Allen is taking over simple decisions is a tactic to annoy his opponent?
“I think we are witnessing an extremely clever, well thought out match from Mark Allen to try and beat the man.
“It’s an old school tactic. It’s from a playbook my generation and Mark’s generation are from. And it’s perfectly within the rules.
“But I can’t see any reason, other than that for why he’s taking so long. As you look at Barry in his chair, you might say it was working.”
Allen took exception to Murphy’s criticism and hit back on social media.
He wrote on X: “Not to be in this years UK Championships. The better player on the day won.
“Good luck to both Judd and Barry in the final… For those criticising… I always give 100 per cent, it might not be pretty at times but I’m trying my best. Some other players could learn from it.
Shaun Murphy accused Mark Allen of taking too long over shots
PA
“And as for Shaun in comms. He’s absolutely entitled to his opinion on things but perhaps best to leave personal feelings out of the commentary box in future.
“All because I called out some of his recent BS [laughing emojis].”
The two rivals clashed at the 2022 Scottish Open when Murphy complained of back, neck and shoulder pain with Allen cheekily replying: “Must be that chip on your shoulder doing the damage.”
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Mark Allen’s defeat to Barry Hawkins lasted five hours
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Allen was left ruing his mistakes against Hawkins that ultimately cost him a chance of reaching the UK Championship final.
“I got what I deserved in the end,” he said. “I didn’t take advantage of the chances I had, and I had quite a few.
“It’s agonising because I got so close, despite playing poorly. Barry was the better player tonight. Only my grit and determination gave me a chance towards the end, but the right person won.
“Losing any Triple Crown semi-final is always hard to take, but I think I’ve turned the corner this week. It’s disappointing now, but there are plenty of positives.”