Mark Allen has easy victory to reach semi-final in Shanghai Masters

Mark Allen remains on course to go one better than last season at the Shanghai Masters after racing into the semi-finals on Friday. The 29-year-old from Co Antrim beat England's Mark Davis 5-1 on the Grand Stage of the £500,000 tournament to reach the last four.

World No 12 Allen ran out of steam in Shanghai 12 months ago having played superbly to get to the final only to lose 10-3 to Stuart Bingham.

Allen has looked in fine fettle again this year in chalking up wins over Belgium's Luca Brecel, David Grace and Davis.

Allen, chasing a first ranking title for 2½ years, could yet face Bingham in the final again if both win their semi-finals.

Bingham will play Judd Trump in an early semi-final.