Defending his 2022 UK Championship title later this month in York, Mark Allen has shared his views on the significant influence players have on snooker’s direction and longevity. His comments come in the wake of his recent critique of the World Snooker Tour, for which he expressed regret.
Despite recently apologizing for his harsh words about the tour and its current state of “disarray,” Allen, set to compete against John Higgins in the upcoming Champion of Champions semi-final, insists that the sport is far from realizing its full potential.
When questioned about the need for player-led reforms, Allen affirmed, “Absolutely. The players are the lifeblood of the game. Without the top talents, snooker simply cannot thrive. There’s a pressing need for change.
“The sport, in its current state, is quite distant from where it could potentially be. I’m ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with the decision-makers, in a calm setting, to find a mutually beneficial resolution.”
In addition to his stance on the sport’s administration, Allen has been vocal about his perception of the players’ contracts with WST as being overly restrictive.
Last season, Allen’s impressive achievements included winning the Northern Ireland Open, the UK Championship, and the World Grand Prix. His outstanding performance earned him the World Snooker Tour Player of the Year award for the 2022-23 season.
As he prepares to defend his UK Championship title in York, Allen reflects on a remarkable year and expresses his ambitions for the future. “This past year has been a pinnacle in my career. It would be incredible to cap it off with another victory, be it the Champion of Champions or the UK Championships,” Allen remarked.
With aspirations of becoming world number one and a world champion, Allen acknowledges that the season hasn’t started as strongly as he’d hoped, but remains optimistic. “There’s still a long season ahead, with plenty of tournaments. I firmly believe in my ability to end the season as the world’s top player. Winning the world championship would achieve both my goals.
“Since I first picked up a cue at 12, becoming the world number one and a world champion were my dreams. These goals, once seemingly distant, now feel within reach. I’m committed to hard work, believing it will lead me to these heights.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mark Allen Snooker
What did Mark Allen say about the power of players in snooker’s future?
Mark Allen emphasized that players hold significant power in shaping the future of snooker, stating the sport needs changes and is far from its full potential. He expressed willingness to discuss these issues with decision-makers for a positive outcome.
Why did Mark Allen apologize regarding his comments on the World Snooker Tour?
Allen apologized for his previous harsh critique of the World Snooker Tour, where he labeled the sport as being in “disarray”. He recognized the need for a more constructive approach to addressing the issues within the sport.
What titles did Mark Allen win in the last season?
In the last season, Mark Allen achieved remarkable success, winning the Northern Ireland Open, the UK Championship, and the World Grand Prix. These victories led to him being named the World Snooker Tour Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
What are Mark Allen’s goals in his snooker career?
Mark Allen’s primary goals are to become the world number one and a world champion in snooker. Despite a challenging start to the season, he remains optimistic about his chances and believes that winning the world championship would help achieve both objectives.
More about Mark Allen Snooker
- Mark Allen’s Snooker Career
- World Snooker Tour Critique
- 2022-23 Snooker Season Highlights
- Snooker Championship Ambitions
3 comments
so, Allen thinks he can change the whole sport? big words from someone who’s not even the world no 1 yet… lets see how this plays out
Allen’s ambition is commendable but becoming world number one is no easy feat, especially with the competition he’s up against, its a tough road ahead
I remember Allen’s outburst about WST, bit harsh but he’s got a point. Snookers got to evolve, right? Or we risk losing it to history.