Allen misses out on Bahrain final

Mark Allen broke into the elite top 16 at the end of last season

Antrim's Mark Allen fine challenge for the Bahrain Championship ended on Friday when he lost 6-4 to Australia's Neil Robertson in the semi-final.

Former world amateur champion Allen made a good start and a century break in the second frame saw him go 2-0 up.

Robertson hit back with four frames on the bounce to lead 4-2.

Allen, the world number 16, got two back at 4-3 and 5-4 but just could not manage to secure what would have been a maiden final appearance.

"He made two great breaks and got off to great start," said Robertson.

"I was nervous but then made two breaks to level at 2-2.

"I kept playing pretty well from there. I had a 70 and an 80 to go 4-2 up and managed to hold. I fell over the line."