Mark Allen's magical week at the UK Championship was defined by resilient revivals - but his true resurgence began long before he pitched up at York's Barbican Centre.
Allen's is a tumultuous story of harsh truths, introspection and application from a player who has climbed out of the mire and is now determined to establish his own legacy. That Allen is one of modern snooker's finest talents is seldom doubted, but the Antrim potter had never reached the eminent heights of Northern Ireland's greatest Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor.
Now, after completing the second leg of the Triple Crown with a sensational comeback from 6-1 down against Ding Junhui to triumph 10-7, he has disowned any underachiever tag and can set about becoming a serial winner of the sport's biggest events..
