Allen crashes out of World Grand Prix as Selby scrapes through

Mark Allen crashed out the World Grand Prix following a 4-2 defeat by Jimmy Robertson at Kai Tak Arena in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

The Pistol lifted this trophy in 2023, defeating Judd Trump 10-9 in a thrilling final at the Centaur in Cheltenham.

However, two years later, the world number seven was the highest-profile casualty on day two in Kowloon City.

All appeared to be going smoothly for Allen, as runs of 50, 46 and 63 put him in early control at 2-0 up.

But Robertson roared back with breaks of 65, 68 and 50 to turn things around, before controlling the last frame to make it four in a row and set up a second-round clash with Mark Selby.

The Jester looked set to join Allen in the departure lounge at 3-2 down against Jackson Page, but the reigning British Open and Welsh Open champion managed to scrape over the line and remain on course for his third ranking title of the season.

Although, there was no joy for Ding Junhui. Despite breaks of 78 and 108, the Dragon was pegged back from 2-0 and 3-2 up by compatriot Xu Si, who dominated the deciding frame to edge through.

Two formers champions booked their place in the second round in Barry Hawkins and Neil Robertson.

Hawkins, who lifted the trophy in 2017, hit breaks of 126 and 105 in a 4-1 victory over Tom Ford, while 2020 winner Robertson whitewashed Yuan Sijun 4-0.

Wuhan Open champion Xiao Guodong came through a seesaw battle with Crucible finalist Jak Jones. Despite a break of 106, Xiao trailed 3-2, but further contributions of 110 and 89 got him over the line.

Scottish Open champion Lei Peifan saw off Elliot Slessor 4-2 as Hossein Vafaei – a late replacement following Ronnie O’Sullivan’s withdrawal – won three frames on the pink and black to edge out Si Jiahui 4-3.

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World Grand Prix 2025 Results

Wednesday March 5

Round One

Mark Selby 4-3 Jackson Page
Xiao Guodong 4-3 Jak Jones
Lei Peifan 4-2 Elliot Slessor
Neil Robertson 4-0 Yuan Sijun
Ding Junhui 3-4 Xu Si
Barry Hawkins 4-1 Tom Ford
Mark Allen 2-4 Jimmy Robertson
Si Jiahui 3-4 Hossein Vafaei