Mark Allen reveals mental health struggles after snooker return

Former world number one Mark Allen has revealed he spent ten weeks in a mental health clinic prior to his return at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast. The 40-year-old professional snooker player had been absent from competition since the World Championship in May, following a difficult semi-final loss to Wu Yize.

During an emotional interview following his 4-2 first-round defeat to Jordan Brown, Allen admitted he has been in a “bad place” and has been contemplating retirement from the sport. He stated, “I just don’t see a future with snooker in it if I’m honest. It is sad to say because it is all I’ve loved to do since I was 12.”

Allen credited his family, particularly his daughter, therapists, and clinic staff for helping him through “some really dark days.” While he noted that he is still a “work in progress,” he expressed a desire to show the same fighting qualities off the table as he has on it.