Party lover Allen strikes a balance in glory bid

MARK Allen is adamant partying still has its place as he continues his quest for a maiden world snooker title at the Crucible today.

The Antrim potter, 38, went on a health kick that saw him shed more than six stone in the last two years, and has been rewarded by a handful of ranking titles and a rise to third in the world rankings.

But ahead of his second-round clash with John Higgins, night owl Allen stressed the need to continue striking a balance as he aims to plot a path to the final for the first time.

“Just because you’re going out partying doesn’t mean you’re not dedicated and applying yourself to the sport,” Allen said.

“I think in the past I probably didn’t get the balance quite right, and it’s about doing things at the right times because you have got to have a life away from snooker.

“I still enjoy a night out with my friends. I enjoy having a few shots and going on the vodka but I never do it too close to a tournament now, and that’s the difference.”

Allen, who reached the semifinals last year, revealed he was convinced to change his mindset after a painful 13-4 second-round loss to Ronnie O’sullivan in 2022.

That defeat coincided with a period of turmoil in his private life, including an acrimonious custody battle with fellow professional Reanne Evans and having declare himself bankrupt.

Allen added: “Ronnie wasn’t playing anywhere near his best and he still brushed me aside, and I had to ask myself whether I wanted to be that player who came back here and didn’t challenge.

“I’ve tried so many things and so far none of them have worked, but I feel like I’ve improved things in recent years and I’ve come into the tournament on a whole new level.”

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