Three centuries help Allen seal Scottish Open semi spot

Mark Allen has won 11 ranking tournaments during his career

Mark Allen remains on course for a second Scottish Open title after putting on another impressive exhibition of break-building to score three centuries in a 5-2 quarter-final win over Noppon Saengkham.

The match in Edinburgh was a high-scoring affair, with Allen completing his second treble of tons, having also achieved the feat in his last-32 win over Ryan Day on Wednesday.

His Thai opponent compiled an 87 to win the first frame on Friday night, but the world number five levelled by taking the next, before reeling off three straight frames.

Allen put together breaks of 87, 120 and 127 in moving 4-1 ahead, but Noppon replied with a 136 to reduce the deficit to two.

A run of 105 from the Northern Ireland player in frame seven saw him over the line and stay in contention to repeat his 2018 success in the tournament.

Allen will face Lei Peifan in the semi-finals on Saturday after the Chinese player edged out last week's Shootout winner Tom Ford 5-4.

The other last-four tie will be contested by two other players from China, Wu Yize and Xiao Guodong.

World number 27 Wu defeated 16-ranked Chris Wakelin 5-4 in his quarter-final, while Xiao beat 2023 world champion Luca Brecel 5-1.