Allen on course for semis

Mark Allen gave his hopes of reaching the 2012 Premier League semi-finals a huge boost with a hard fought 4-2 win over Peter Ebdon on Thursday (Premier League outright – Mark Allen 8/1 with bet365).

Former world and UK champion Ebdon took the lead in a scrappy first frame but Northern Irishman Allen hit back with an impressive break of 84.

Ebdon wasted a great chance in the third frame when leading 30-5 but missed a relatively straight-forward red to allow Allen the chance to step in and take the lead, and the 26-year-old seized the opportunity with both hands as he produced a break of 76 to take the frame.

The Pistol then opened up a two frame lead but Ebdon responded with a 108 break in the fifth to give himself a chance, but Allen then sealed the victory with a break of 69 to move into second place, behind Ebdon, in the Group B table.

Allen was pleased with the victory and felt he deserved his win against 42-year-old Ebdon.

“I started slowly, feeling a bit nervous out there. But I think after that I settled down and played pretty well,” Allen told Sky Sports.

In Thursday’s other tie, Masters champion Neil Robertson sealed a 4-2 win over Shaun Murphy despite twice falling behind (Premier League outright – Neil Robertson 4/1 with bet365).

The Australian is also on course for a spot in the semi-finals having won all of his Group A fixtures to date.