Cue star Allen hits out at ‘shambolic’ lack of events
Mark Allen is dipping his toe into the pool world because this season’s snooker schedule is “a shambles”.
The former Masters champion has entered next month’s Ultimate Pool Players Championship due to a lack of events on the World Snooker Tour.
September’s World Mixed Doubles event consists of the top four players in the world, and their playing partners, whilst the world’s top six have been invited to the returning Hong Kong Masters in October.
But World No 14 Allen’s next snooker assignment isn’t until the end of September at the British Open.
“I’m really looking forward to trying my hand at pool,” revealed Allen.
“I’ve always enjoyed the social side of it, but I don’t want to go out there against the professionals and look like an idiot.
“The snooker calendar is shocking this season, so there’s a chance I could play in a couple of pool events if they invite me back.”
Snooker was the first indoor sport to return during the Covid pandemic, and the World Snooker Tour did a great job of getting events on.
But there are just seven ranking events – including the drawn-out Championship League – this side of Christmas, with the revamped UK Championship the only event with a winner’s prize above £100,000.
And Allen slammed: “The schedule this season is a shambles. It’s a sorry state of affairs.
“This is the worst it’s been since Barry Hearn first took over in 2010 or 2011.
“It’s the worst season by a country mile. The events are smaller, the money’s smaller and there are less playing days.
“The calendar’s been filled up with qualifiers and the players aren’t happy. We are crying out for some bigger events.
“World Snooker did a great job during Covid getting events on, but it feels like we were playing more back then, which is worrying.
“I really hope they can pull something out of the hat because it’s hard to make any money, especially if you’re lower down the rankings.
“I’m very fortunate to be in the position I’m in. But for players at the lower end, it must be hard.”
Allen isn’t the first top snooker star to cross cue-sport codes and try their hand at pool in recent times.
Former world champion, Judd Trump, played in the nine-ball US Open last year, and four-time Crucible King, Mark Selby – a former pool world champion – is playing in the doubles event with Gareth Potts.
The Northern Irish potter said: “If I get the balls open, I expect myself to pot them.
“It’s more the tactical side I might fall victim of.
“I’ve been practising with my mate, and some of the rules have caught me out. So that’s something I’ll be trying to iron out.
“It will be a good experience and I’m looking forward to it. Michael Hill’s in my group as he’s regarded as one of the best players ever.”