Mark Allen feels 'I'm a better player now' after reaching third World Snooker Championships semi-final
Antrim’s Mark Allen admits he’s aware of a prime opportunity opening up at this year’s World Snooker Championships in his bid to win the sport’s biggest competition for a first time – but insists “you can't take anything for granted”.
With the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump already eliminated, the rest of the field are looking to seize their chance at the Crucible and Allen became the first player to book their spot in the semi-finals with a 13-11 victory over Barry Hawkins.
Allen has now reached the last-four on three occasions, previously losing out to John Higgins (2009) and Mark Selby (2023), as he looks to claim snooker’s top prize and follow in the footsteps of countrymen Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor in sealing world champion status.
‘The Pistol’ will now face either Hossein Vafaei or Yize Wu – they’ll play to a conclusion on Wednesday evening – in a wide open bottom-half of the draw and feels he’s now better equipped for a shot at glory.
"I'm fully aware of that sort of anomaly in the draw, but that doesn't make any difference if you go out there and play badly,” said Allen. “You're talking about Barry Hawkins, who's a multiple ranking event winner.
"Wu Yize has won tournaments, Hossein has beat loads of top players over the years, so you can't take anything for granted.
"But, yes, I was fully aware that it was an opportunity to get through, but I'm only halfway through that little section now.
"I hope (my experience will count). This will be my third time now at the one-table setup.
"I felt like I played alright against Selby that time, he got the better of me 17-15, but I think I'm a better player now than I was then.
"This is what players dream of. We want to go out there and entertain...there's no better place to do that than one-table setup here at the Crucible.
"I've been under the weather the last couple of days, but I feel so fresh. I feel like I have a lot more to offer and still a lot of room for improvement, too.”