Mark Allen has revealed he spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before returning to snooker on Tuesday, opening up about the darkest period of his life after an emotional first-round loss at the Northern Ireland Open.
Mark Allen (Credits: BBC Sport)
An emotional return to the table
The former world number one lost to friend Jordan Brown in Belfast after a five-month absence from the sport. Speaking after the match, a visibly emotional Allen admitted he was in a “bad place” and was even considering retirement. He said he “probably” would not have played at all had he not been drawn against his friend Brown.
In a statement on X on Wednesday, the 40-year-old Northern Irishman doubled down on his honesty: “Everything I said in that interview was true. However, rest assured I’m doing my best to turn things round.”
Owed to family, fans — and himself
Allen revealed he discharged himself from the clinic to prepare for Tuesday’s match, adding that he plans to continue his treatment. “I owed that to my family, in particular my daughter, to see me play for what could be the last time. I also owed it to the fans who have supported me throughout my 21 years on tour.”
He praised World Snooker — naming CEO Simon Brownell and WPBSA COO Neil Tomkins — for their support throughout, and credited his daughter, the clinic’s therapists and staff, and fellow patients with helping him through “some really dark days.”
“I’m not OK, but I’m OK in that itself,” Allen said. “I also know it won’t happen overnight. I’m a work in progress! My fight and determination on the table has always been there for ones to see. I need to show those same fighting qualities off it now for a while.”
The 21-year pro, whose career includes 12 ranking titles and the 2022 UK Championship, remains one of snooker’s most beloved figures. The sport will be rooting for him — on and off the table.
Also Read: Mark Allen’s Return Ends in Defeat as Jordan Brown Stuns Him at the Northern Ireland Open, Why O’Sullivan Faces a Battle to Stay in Snooker’s Top 16
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
