Mark Allen said he turned for help from one of the world’s star players throughout his stunning Masters victory on Sunday.

The Northern Ireland star enjoyed the best day of his snooker career when he lifted his first snooker Triple crown title following a hard-fought 10-7 win over Kyren Wilson.

But Allen revealed he got some advice along the way through the epic final from former Masters winner and his close friend Shaun Murphy.

Shaun Murphy. Picture by Monique Limbos

World number six Murphy won the Masters title in emphatic style three years ago when he thrashed Neil Robertson 10-2 at the same arena Allen triumphed yesterday.

Allen revealed to Master of Ceremonies Rob Walker in a post match interview that he turned to the help of Murphy on a number of occasions throughout the match.

He said: “Shaun Murphy helped me a lot today. I was private messaging him, phoning him during intervals and after the first session.

Mark Allen. Picture by Monique Limbos

“It was just to pick out his brain really because he’s been in this situation before and he gave me some really kind words and it really helped me through.

“I was trying to think of his words when I was playing. It’s strange coming from another professional but it shows how close me and Shaun are.”

Murphy, who lost in the quarter-finals to Judd Trump, congratulated Allen on his victory on Twitter after the match.