Champion of Champions snooker 2023 final LIVE – Mark Allen and Judd Trump go head-to-head

And then it all goes wrong for the Pistol, as he attempts to open the pack up a little further by screwing off the black, only to get stuck by hitting the wrong red. He has to play safe, nestling the cue ball into the middle of a cluster of reds. Handy lead, but could have been more

It takes a few shots for the first potting opportunity to come along, but when it does, Allen nervelessly sinks middle-distance red into the green pocket. He finds position quickly and with the way the reds are set, he can start compiling a handy break. There’s a lovely, deft run-through off the fourth red to open the pack up, as well

Over 50 professional titles between them. A prize of £150,000 at stake, as well as the glory. Trump breaks us off and we’re underway!

Allen is first to join us, walking out to Can’t Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, before Trump makes his journey to the baize a few moments later

We’ve slowly been upping the frames in this tournament, from best of seven to best of 11. The final is a race to ten frames, played over two sessions, the second of which will be tonight.

Here’s how our two contenders booked their spot in today’s final:

Both of these players have lifted the Champion of Champions trophy before, with Mark Allen victorious in 2020 thanks to a 10-6 success over Neil Robertson in the final, while Judd Trump beat John Higgins 10-4 a year later.

Hello, snooker fans! Welcome to our coverage from the Champion of Champions final. We’ve got a cracker in store, as the man of the season so far, Judd Trump, takes on Mark Allen

Northern Irishman Allen triumphed 6-2 over Higgins at the University of Bolton Stadium, coming out on top when it mattered during a compelling battle.