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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Shane MacDermott

Mark Allen bemoans champions' Christmas curse after Masters whitewash

Mark Allen Masters Barry Hawkins United Kingdom

Antrim ace Mark Allen is the latest snooker champion to be the victim of a turkey shoot after the Christmas break.

The Northern Irishman became the fourth consecutive UK champion to be knocked out of the Masters at the first hurdle yesterday as he was whitewashed 6-0 by Barry Hawkins.

Allen was the fourth seed to be sent packing in the first five matches at the Alexandra Palace and he believes the top players are most vulnerable in the first round.

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