Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Al not settle for just one major says Master Mark
MARK ALLEN wants to make sure he’s no one-hit wonder after winning the Masters.
The Ulsterman, 31, sparkled to a memorable first Triple Crown win by beating Kyren Wilson 10-7 on Sunday and Allen insists snooker doesn’t need Ronnie O’sullivan anymore.
He said: “I want this win to be the start for me. It’s been a long time coming winning a major and I want to kick on from it. I want to win more Triple Crown titles. That’s what our sport’s all about.
“The likes of Mark Selby, Ronnie O’sullivan and John Higgins make winning these big events really easy, but it’s tough.
“I need to keep working hard, keep doing what I’ve been doing and hopefully I can start winning these events consistently.
“I was told it was 40 years since Alex Higgins first won it so that’s special for me.”
O’sullivan had won the last two editions of the illustrious invitational event – before being knocked out by Allen - but the Rocket has been ranting about wanting to get out of the game “as fast as possible”.
The five-time world champion has threatened to skip this year’s World Championship to film a TV show.
And Allen added: “It’s a breath of fresh air for snooker. Having the likes of me and Kyren in the final of a major is a good thing for the sport.
“Players will be looking at me winning and be thinking ‘I’m as good as him, why can’t I win it?’ It might spur them on.
“I think snooker is in safe hands already, with or without Ronnie.
“The viewing figures are incredibly high and what Barry Hearn has done is incredible. Arenas sell out all around the world regardless of whether Ronnie’s there.
“Being a player I appreciate what Ronnie brings to the game. He brings a bit of a buzz around a venue and all. It’s nice to know you’re doing well in a tournament when Ronnie’s in it.
“Snooker’s definitely going to live on after Ronnie. There have been people in the past who you’ve thought ‘what’s going to happen when they go?’ But the game moves on. If he’s going to not play anymore, so be it.”