UPGRADING TO MARK II
Allen feeling like a better version of himself these days
BY SHANE MACDERMOTT MARK ALLEN believes he can be a different animal after his recent weight-loss.
A grim warning from a close pal that he might miss daughter Harleigh walking down the aisle, and advice from Ronnie O’sullivan, led the Antrim potter to shed four-and-a-half stone.
And the former Masters champion found his best form at times during last week’s British Open.
The world No.14 fell at the final hurdle with a 10-7 loss to Ryan Day.
But Allen stressed: “I’ve been getting my life in order off the table and that’s the most important thing.
“I would say I’ve made the right changes, it certainly won’t do me any harm.
“I’ve got my priorities right now.
“I did it for my life, not just for my snooker and if it helps my snooker then brilliant and it seems to have helped.”
Allen decided to make drastic changes after losing to eventual world champion O’sullivan (inset) at the Crucible.
The pair spent an hour chatting in the Rocket’s dressing-room following that defeat.
And Allen isn’t the only top potter to change their lifestyle over the past couple of years.
Four-time world champ John Higgins, who also complained of having difficulty breathing at times while playing, dropped over four stone with a tough spinning regime ahead of last season.
The 2005 Crucible champion Shaun Murphy underwent gastric sleeve surgery this summer and is happier than ever.
A torrid 18-month spell behind the scenes left Allen at a low ebb.
Bankruptcy, divorce proceedings and a maintenance dispute took their toll.
But he has turned the corner, admitting it’s the “hardest” he’s ever worked on a diet – and he’s determined to stick to his new way of life.
“I’m a changed man now from where I used to be.
“Ronnie gave me a few pointers, for my health more than anything, just to lose some weight.
“He said if it helps your snooker so be it, but if it doesn’t it will help your mindset off the table, you’ll be better round your family, round your daughter and he was absolutely right.
“Just getting myself healthier and wanting to be around for my family and my daughter.
“I want to see her growing up. I just didn’t feel healthy six months ago.
“It’s just a snooker match that I lost and things are going better for me in every other way so I can’t complain.”