Northern Ireland's Mark Allen cruised into the last eight of the World Snooker Championship after defeating Mark Davis 13-5 in Sheffield.

Resuming 5-3 overnight, the 24-year-old won six of the first seven frames in the morning session to take a commanding 11-5 lead.

The Antrim man then finished the match in style on Friday night with two century breaks of 131 and 101.

Allen will face either Stephen Maguire or Graeme Dott in the last eight.

"I just enjoy playing here, if you don't enjoy playing in front of packed houses on the biggest stage then you don't want to play snooker," Allen told BBC 5 live.

The 2009 World semi-finalist paid tribute to the performance of his opponent.

I have been putting extra work in the last couple of months and it is beginning to pay off Mark Allen

"I thought the first session is the best session I played because of how well he played.

"I don't think Mark will play that well and come 5-3 behind.

"The first two and half frames he was devastating, I don't think you will see any better snooker from Ronnie O'Sullivan."

The world number 11 believes he has the game to go one better than his semi-final appearance in 2009.

"It's not just about winning one match, it's all about kicking on and doing better in the events.

"I think as the season as gone on, my game has got better and results have got better and my form has been good all year.

"I have been putting extra work in the last couple of months and I think it is beginning to pay off."

The Antrim-based player made Crucible history on Thursday, making the first 146 break at the venue and has had a chance of a maximum break twice in the past week.

"I keep knocking on the door, sooner or later God will help me out and twitch a few balls in for me."

Allen was watched by his daughter, three-year-old Lauren, and gave her a wave as he sealed his place in the last eight.

"She was allowed into the arena as long as she was on her best behaviour and there wasn't a peep out of her," Allen said.

"She was waving over to me, which some people might think is a distraction but I think it's a welcome distraction because it's not often I get the chance to see her and play in front of her."

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