Mark Allen was in impressive form tonight as he gunned down Luca Brecel in The Masters.

Mark Allen. Picture by Monique Limbos

The Ulsterman began his bid to win his first Masters title of his career with a 6-3 victory over the Belgian Bullet at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Allen, who was mistakenly announced as Mark Williams before the match, will next face either Ronnie O’Sullivan or Marco Fu in the last eight stage.

Despite Brecel winning two of the first tour frames, Allen looked in good form making breaks of 86 and 135 to go into the interval level at 2-2.

Allen then won the fifth frame to take the lead for the first time in the match before a crucial clearance saw Brecel level the scores at 3-3 after a low scoring frame six.

But Allen won the next three frames to seal his place in the next round – finishing the match in style with a break of 120.

Earlier in the day Mark Williams fought back from behind to beat world number one and reigning world champion Mark Selby.

Monday sees China’s Ding Junhui take on Ryan Day in the afternoon and Judd Trump launches his bid for Masters glory against Liang Wenbo.