- Former world number one snooker player Mark Allen has admitted he is contemplating retiring from the sport after suffering a 4-2 first-round defeat to Jordan Hall at the Northern Ireland Open.
- Speaking in a deeply emotional interview following his first competitive appearance since May, the 40-year-old Northern Irishman disclosed that he is currently “in a bad place” and felt “overwhelmed” at the table.
- Allen suggested that competing at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, where his professional career began in 2005, felt like a fitting location to potentially sign out from professional competition.
- Despite expressing gratitude for widespread support, the two-time Triple Crown winner acknowledged that recent difficult months have put snooker into perspective and left him unable to see a clear future in the sport.
- TNT Sports presenter Rachel Casey was praised for her compassionate handling of the post-match interview, offering Allen supportive words as he struggled to hold back tears.
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