In a triumphant display, Mark Allen claimed the Cazoo Champion of Champions trophy for the second time, defeating Judd Trump 10-3 in the final. The unexpected victory marked Allen’s second win in this prestigious event, following his 2020 triumph, and earned him the £150,000 first prize.
World Number 4 Allen took control early in the afternoon session, establishing a commanding 7-2 lead, requiring only three frames in the evening to secure the best of 19 final. Despite Trump pulling back the first frame of the evening, Allen smoothly secured the remaining frames for a decisive victory.
This win marked Trump’s third consecutive Champion of Champions final appearance, having won in 2021, and his fifth final of the year. However, the World Number 2 was out of form against Allen, losing 10-3 and making it 14-11 in their head-to-head clashes.
While Trump received a runners-up cheque of £60,000, Allen joined the ranks of multiple winners alongside Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson in Matchroom’s Champion of Champions. Allen dedicated his victory to a late friend, Joe Shortt, who passed away earlier in the year.
Expressing his sentiments, Allen said, “That was for Joe,” and acknowledged Trump’s outstanding season while relishing the opportunity to secure a win against him. Reflecting on his own efforts, he noted, “I’ve been working so hard to get my game back, so to come here and find some form, I really enjoyed it.”
The afternoon session showcased Allen’s early dominance, with breaks and strategic play giving him a substantial lead. Trump, making more errors, struggled to keep pace. Allen’s clinical performance included a break of 137, his fifth century in this year’s Champion of Champions.
The evening session saw Trump making a brief comeback, winning a couple of frames, but Allen’s steely temperament prevailed. A break of 75 in the final frame sealed Allen’s victory, capping off a dominant and enjoyable performance.
Despite Trump’s prominence throughout the season, winning four titles, including successive ranking tournament triumphs, this particular night belonged to Allen, securing his place among the elite in snooker’s Champion of Champions.
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