Allen is generally happy with his form and the influence of new coach Chris Henry, who has been helping him this season.

“People are saying I’m having an up and down season but I’ve won a tournament and reached the semi-final of another big event in China [the Wuhan Open] so there is a lot to be positive about.

“Sure, there have been some bad performances but a lot of people on tour would bite your hand off for the season I’ve had so far.

“When you’re winning and competing for events but still not happy with where your game is it’s a good sign.

“I feel we still have plenty to work on but we’re doing the right things on the practice table and I’m starting to do things better off it as well – getting back to the gym and trying to lose a bit of weight so all those things together should bear fruit.”

Earlier on Monday, British Open winner and reigning Masters champion Shaun Murphy swept aside David Lilley 4-0 to continue his good form.

The world number nine, beaten by Mark Williams in the recent Xi’an Grand Prix final, compiled breaks of 73, 69, 115 and 67 in advancing to a second round meeting with Elliot Slessor, who edged out Fan Zhengyi 4-3.

World-ranked 13 Barry Hawkins defeated Zak Surety 4-0, Yuan Sijun beat Daniel Wells 4-1, Zhou Yuelong got the better of Dylan Emery 4-2 and the Republic of Ireland’s Aaron Hill was a 4-1 victor over Lei Peifan to book a round-two encounter with Hawkins.

Jimmy Robertson beat Stuart Bingham 4-2 in their evening match.