Allen targets China title

Mark Allen goes into the International Championship in Chengdu this week aiming to secure his second major title.

Allen, who won his first title in China at the Haikou Open, arrives full of confidence having won a minor tournament in Belgium, beating world number one Mark Selby in the final.

"That win has been a long time coming," Allen said.

"I was really struggling earlier in this season, but I've spent a lot of time with my coach Terry Griffiths up at South West Snooker Academy.

"He's helped me get my mind right. And I've practised hard leading into this event. I had a good attitude throughout.

"I'm really pleased to be playing well again. We've got some very big tournaments coming up, the International in China next week and the UK Championship is not far away."

A dark horse for the eight-day Chengdu tournament is Stuart Bingham, who enjoyed 6-0 wins over both Selby and Neil Robertson in the Premier League in Guildford on Thursday, firing in four century breaks.

"In practice everyone can play like that but to do it on the main stage was unbelievable," said Bingham. "I've beaten the world number one and former world champion - well I hammered them."

Former world champions Shaun Murphy, Robertson and Ken Doherty all start their campaigns on Sunday.