Mark Allen discloses 10-week clinic stay and plans further treatment
Mark Allen says he spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before returning to snooker at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast. After losing to Jordan Brown and questioning his future, the former world number one disclosed that he had left the clinic to play. He will continue treatment before deciding what comes next.
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Allen reveals why he left the clinic to play in Belfast
Snooker player Mark Allen has disclosed that he spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before playing in Belfast’s Northern Ireland Open. The former world number one said he discharged himself to attempt the return. He felt a responsibility to his family, especially his daughter, and to fans who had supported him during 21 years on tour.[1], [2]
Allen, 40, lost 4-2 to his friend and compatriot Jordan Brown on Tuesday at the Waterfront Hall. It was his first match since losing a World Championship semi-final to Wu Yize. His time away from the tour had been attributed to personal reasons. After the Brown match, he described feeling overwhelmed in an emotional interview and raised the possibility that his career might end.[1], [2]
Treatment will continue before a decision on his future
In his statement on X on Wednesday, Allen said the interview had accurately reflected his circumstances. He described periods in the preceding months when his condition was worse than viewers had seen after the match. He said recovery would take time and that he would continue treatment before considering his future. He gave no definite timetable for another competitive return.[1], [2]
He thanked his daughter, therapists, clinic staff and fellow patients for helping him through difficult days. Simon Brownell and Neil Tomkins, officials at the professional snooker organisation World Snooker, had kept in regular contact, he said. Brownell also visited him at the clinic. Allen thanked supporters for messages but said he was too overwhelmed to answer them all.[1], [2]
Allen asks that Brown’s win retain its recognition
Allen said Brown knew about his difficulties and handled the match with understanding and skill. He asked that his circumstances should not detract from his friend’s achievement. Brown described the encounter as the hardest match he had experienced. Allen also said he had been offered a choice about giving the post-match interview and had decided to speak himself; nobody had forced him.[2]
His career includes the UK Championship and Masters titles, 12 ranking tournament wins and three World Championship semi-finals. He spent four months as world number one in 2024. The Belfast return ended his competitive absence, while his subsequent statement made continued treatment the next step before any decision about his career.[1]
