World number 52 Scott Donaldson recorded one of the most significant victories of his snooker career by defeating eighth seed Mark Allen during a dramatic late-night session on the third day of the UK Championship.

Donaldson, still mourning the recent loss of his father Hector, who passed away at age 70 on October 2, was visibly emotional as he entered the arena. The moment became especially poignant as "Babylon" by David Gray-one of his father's favorite songs-played while he walked in.

The 31-year-old Scot has been in remarkable form throughout the tournament. In a stunning comeback earlier in the final qualifying round, Donaldson overturned a five-frame deficit to beat former world champion Stuart Bingham 6-5. Building on that momentum at York Barbican, he continued to impress against Allen.

Donaldson raced into an early lead against former world number one and defending champion Mark Allen, taking three consecutive frames before Allen managed to claim one back ahead of the mid-session interval. Despite Allen’s attempt to regain control, Donaldson maintained his focus during what proved to be a match defined by lengthy and grueling frames-one lasting nearly an hour and another stretching close to fifty minutes.

Ultimately, it was Donaldson who persevered, steadily edging closer until he clinched an impressive 6-1 victory over the Northern Irishman, who had previously lifted this trophy in 2022.

The evening also saw high drama on table two. For the first time in this year’s event, a deciding frame was required; China’s Zhang Anda narrowly overcame England’s Gary Wilson with a tense 6-5 win. Zhang's next challenge will be against fellow Chinese player Zhao Xintong-the reigning world champion-after Zhao secured a commanding 6-1 triumph over compatriot Long Zehuang earlier during Monday afternoon’s session.