Mark Allen says he hopes more of snooker’s major trophies will come his way after winning the Masters.

Mark Allen wins the Masters 2018. Picture by World Snooker

The Northern Ireland star had the best day of his snooker career on Sunday when he lifted one of the sport’s most prestigious titles after beating Kyren Wilson 10-7.

After years knocking on the door, the 31-year-old finally got to hold one of th sport”s biggest trophies after a superb week which saw him deservedly beat Wilson, John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Luca Brecel.

Speaking after clinching victory, Allen said he was relieved to get a major Triple Crown trophy to his name for the first time.

He said: “It’s surreal. It’s been a long time coming.

“I was never sure it was going to come to be honest. I’ve knocked on the door for so long and I’ve finally won a Triple Crown (trophy).

“I have felt calm all week apart from the first session in the final when i was really on edge. But I felt as the match went on I got stronger and felt more at ease with myself and just played the way I had done for the rest of the week. I’m just very pleased to be on the right end of it for a change, I’m over the moon.

“I think someone said it was 40 years since Alex Higgins last lifted this trophy so to bring it back to Northern Ireland that’s what I’ve done it for..

“It’s a long time coming but hopefully this is a step ping stone to bigger and better things. Hopefully this is just the first Triple crown.”

Allen also praised the competitive spirit of his opponent Wilson, who was in tears during the post-match presentation.

“But what a competitor Kyren Wilson is,” Allen added.

“He’s not just a competitor but he’s the nicest man you could meet and he’s got a great family with him.

“Kyren will have many more days like this. I know what it feels like to sit on that chair after losing in a final, I lost to Judd (Trump) in the UK, it’s not a nice feeling but how far has he come in the last two years and he’s going to be in these major finals for a long time.”