The world number 52 entered the York Barbican to the tune of "Babylon" by David Gray, a song chosen to honor his father, Hector, who passed away in early October.
The moment seemed to take him by surprise, but once the match began, he took almost complete control of the game.
"Snooker is just a game at the end of the day; it’s not a matter of life or death," Donaldson said to the BBC after the match.
"Having experienced what I have, I know what truly matters and what doesn’t. When the pressure builds, I remind myself 'it’s just snooker' and carry on.
"I was okay until I reached the top of the stairs — the last time I was here was with my dad. It was an emotional moment, but a good one.
"It was tough to get through, but once I won the first frame, I settled down."
After narrowly qualifying by overturning a 5-0 deficit against Stuart Bingham, the Scot entered the main draw with clear momentum, which was evident throughout the match.
The 31-year-old established a 3-0 lead through careful safety play and patient scoring, although he admitted staying focused early on was challenging.
Allen unable to match Donaldson
Allen, the 2022 champion, briefly stopped Donaldson’s run by taking the fourth frame and seemed to find his rhythm.
However, the match soon turned into long tactical battles, including an hour-long frame and another lasting about 50 minutes. These conditions favored Donaldson far more than the Northern Irishman, and he continued to win crucial exchanges, ultimately closing out the match convincingly.
Allen, the highest-ranked player eliminated in the first round so far, gave a straightforward evaluation.
The 39-year-old said he had prepared well and felt ready, but was simply outplayed.
"It took great character to keep going, and all credit to Scott for everything he’s been through," he said after the defeat.
"He looked like he was giving his all on every shot."
Zhang advances and Ronnie arrives
There was more drama elsewhere in the arena as Zhang Anda narrowly defeated Gary Wilson 6-5 in the tournament’s first deciding frame of the week. Wilson seemed in control after scoring breaks of 58, 52, 65, and 91 to lead 5-3.
Zhang, however, stayed composed and won the last three frames to complete the comeback.
He will face reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who beat Long Zehuang 6-1 in the afternoon session.
The action continues in York on Tuesday, with favorite Ronnie O'Sullivan taking to the table against Zhou Yuelong and Mark Selby playing Lei Peifan in the afternoon session.
Kyren Wilson goes up against Elliot Slessor whileBarry Hawkins faces off with David Lilley in Tuesday evening’s session.
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