That match was like walking through mud.

Jimmy's 2nd frame clearance on he colours was special. Vintage White on that break.

(Nice to see ole Dennis Taylor on ES ... wonder if he's missing his sidekick Virgo)

Not a chance he will play all four

[note to readers: this is merely my opinion]

I wonder what has happened between Mark Allen and Mark Joyce.

I keep forgetting Quest are showing the afternoon sessions of the home nations.

Not sure what happened to Ding, he was all over his Chinese opponent to go 2-0 up. Then Yu De Lu got into gear and won the next 4 frames.

I only saw Dominics last frame but he looked like he was playing well, he potted some great balls.

Allen is certainly pumped up for it as his celebration in nicking the third frame demonstrated...

Harsh words from Allen about his opponent in the interview at the end.

No need for it if you ask me. This isn't boxing, its supposed to be a respectful sport. Allen comes across as aggressive and petulant at times.

Yes, I agree.

To say your opponent isn't even in the same class as you is unnecessary.

Not many players have reached an quarter-final of the UK Championship. As Mark Joyce did back in 2010. A three-time ranking quarter-finalist.

Bit harsh from Allen there.

Mark Allen has always seemed incredibly moody, i doubt that Joyce will take it too personally, Allen is often ranting about one thing or another.

137 and 130 breaks for John Higgins so far. Absolutely ruthless form

I bet John wishes the World Championships were over the last 17 days - he'd have probably claimed world title number five!

And he's only went and finished the game off with a 147!

Bloody hell. Just when you think you've seen it all!

Couldnt have happened to a nicer bloke...

**grits teeth**

Sooooooo is he a d**k or not, I know Allen has some previous.

Corker going on here - Kyren raced into a 3-0 lead but back to back tons from the Rocket and it's now 2-3.....

....three tons on the spin for the rocket 🚀

.....decider

....which fair play to Kyren he wins with aplomb 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

First time an Iranian has reached a quarterfinal of a ranking tournament in Hossein Vafrei who will now play Mark King.

How many Asian countries have had quarterfinalists in ranking tournaments have there been. I know of course with China, Thailand and now Iran.

Have there been any others?

India with Aditya Mehta who is a ranking finalist, and Pankaj Advani who has made a couple of quarters.

Hong Kong

Technically no because Hong Kong isn't a country, its a territory of China.

Shocked about Higgins going out with the way he's been playing. Tournament wide open now.