Mark Allen says he felt like he "underperformed" after losing to four-time champion Mark Selby in a tense semi-final showdown at the World Snooker Championship.
The Northern Irishman's hopes of reaching the final looked over as Selby won five successive frames at the start of Saturday’s evening session put him one away from victory.
But to Allen's credit he staged something of a comeback winning five successive frames of his own before Selby eventually got over the line with a 17-15 victory at 12.48am on Sunday morning to set up a meeting with Luca Brecel.
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Allen admitted he was "disappointed" with his showing in the last four at the Crucible, but insisted he was pleased with how the season has gone so far.
"I didn't have any form at all in that match but I never gave up and gave myself a chance," Allen told BBC Sport.
"I put Mark [Selby] under a bit of pressure and will take a few positives out of that. I felt like I underperformed.
"I'm disappointed right now but the season as a whole has been really good with my highest ever ranking and back to the one-table set-up here so the signs are good for next season."
Selby, who will be back in action in Sunday's final 12 hours after concluding his semi-final clash, was relieved to get over the line against Allen, who had fought his way back into the match.
He said: “I was just happy to get over the line, I felt I played well from 11-10 to 16-10 and then missed a couple of chances.
“At 16-15 he probably goes favourite because he had the momentum. It means everything to be back, I want to try and win it now I’m in the final.
“I don’t feel too bad right now, but I haven’t been sleeping too well while I’ve been here. If I don’t sleep well tonight there is something wrong."
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