Snooker star Mark Allen hints at return after mental health difficulties
Northern Ireland snooker star Mark Allen has hinted that he might compete in next month's UK Championships.
Posting on social media at the weekend, the Antrim man said he hoped he would be in a 'better place' by the time the tournament takes place in York at the end of November.
The 40-year-old cast doubt on continuing his career in an emotional interview following his recent NI Open defeat to good friend Jordan Brown at the Waterfront Hall.
He revealed he had been receiving treatment in a mental health clinic and that he was 'doing my best to turn things round'.
However, taking to X on Sunday, the world number 12, who thanked everyone for their messages of support, suggested that snooker fans could see him back in action before the end of the year.
“Completely overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since my statement,” he said.
“As I continue my treatment and my recovery I know that I simply have to raise more awareness around mental health in the future.
“Best part of six weeks before the UK Championships starts and, all being well I'll be in a better place by then, but for now it's just one day at a time.
“Thanks again for all your support. It's meant so much to myself and my family,” he added.
A former UK and Masters champion, Mark Allen has drawn widespread support since opening up about his health.
A day after his NI Open loss, Allen released a statement via social media thanking everyone for their messages after he told TNT Sports that he didn't see a future with snooker in it.
“Everything I said in that statement was true. However, rest assured I'm doing my best to turn things around,” Allen wrote.
“I have been in a mental health clinic for the last 10 weeks, finally discharging myself so that I could play in Belfast.
“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.
“I'm not ok, but I'm ok in that itself. I've been much worse in the last few months than you saw yesterday. I literally didn't see a future in anything.
“My daughter kept me going, the therapists, staff and all the other patients were amazing and helped me through some really dark days.
“I see the light now that I couldn't see before but I do now.
“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.”