FLINTSHIRE’S Gareth Allen believes he is in the form of his life after reaching the last 32 of the Gdynia Open in Poland.

It was the best performance from the 25-year-old amateur cueman from Ewloe at a Players Tour Championship ranking tournament since 2012.

Allen won four matches – including two qualifying victories – before unluckily succumbing 4-3 to world number 27 Marcus Campbell.

He notched two centuries at the European Tour event, including a superb 127 against Campbell, and scored heavily throughout.

“I had a week off to relax over Christmas and have come back playing some of the best snooker I’ve ever played,” said Allen.

“I was potting really well in Poland. I scored two centuries and I was scoring heavily.

“I’m really confident at the moment and hopefully I can continue to play this well.”

Allen opened up his Gdynia Open campaign with a 4-1 second round success over England’s Charlie Walters before beating Yorkshire teenager Oliver Lines, son of former professional player Peter Lines, by the same scoreline.

He then overcame two professional players – Joel Walker, ranked 82nd in the world, and 108th ranked Andrew Norman – by scores of 4-1 and 4-2 respectively.

His excellent campaign came to an end when beaten by Campbell in the last 32.
Allen compiled an excellent 127 early on the match and, when trailing 3-2, managed a further break of 74 to level matters.

But Scotsman Campbell prevailed in a closely-fought final frame.

“I should have beaten him. I had a couple of chances to win the last frame and I didn’t take them,” said Allen.

“Marcus put together a couple of little breaks and that was enough to clinch it.
“I can’t really be too disappointed though. I’ve had a great tournament.”

Allen is hoping his good form continues into April’s EBSA Qualifying Tour Play-Offs in Sheffield, where he has the chance to finally become a professional player.

He is one of 12 amateurs bidding to claim one of three Players Tour Championship cards available for the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons.

Former World and UK Champion Shaun Murphy beat Fergal O’Brien 4-1 in the final of the Gdynia Open to capture a trophy for the first time since the 2011 Brazil Masters.

Earlier in the day, Murphy made a 147 in his last 16 match against Jamie Jones, to earn a £500 bonus to go with his 25,000 Euro top prize.

The maximum was the 104th in snooker history, third of Murphy’s career and his second within a matter of weeks as he made one in January’s Championship League.

“I came here with low hopes because I hadn’t won a tournament for so long,” said 31-year-old Murphy.

“I have been practising really hard and working on my game and it’s just so nice to bring that form to the match table.

“My coach and my manager kept telling me to keep going and eventually the title would come, and thankfully they were right.

“To make a maximum as well is fantastic and it shows that I’m hitting the ball well.”

- Snooker’s Players Championship, the conclusion to the European and Asian Tour series, will not be staged in Thailand in March due to political unrest in the country.

The 32-man tournament was due to take place in Bangkok from March 25-29, but World Snooker have now been advised not to stage the event in Thailand.

Negotiations are taking place with alternative venues in the UK and Europe and a new location for the £300,000 event will be announced as soon as possible.