Mark Allen believes he has found the balance to keep partying while remaining focused on his game as he looks to land his first ever world snooker title.
- Mark Allen says there’s still room to party, but it’s just about finding a balance
- The 38-year-old hopes he has found the formula to win his first world title.
- Allen to face John Higgins in second round of world championships
Mark Allen believes he has found the right balance and there is still time to celebrate as he bids to win his first world snooker title.
Allen beat Robbie Williams 10-6 in his first round match at the Crucible to set up a high-profile showdown with John Higgins in the second round.
He is ranked third in the current world rankings following a dramatic change in his health over the past two years, which has seen him lose six stone in weight.
However, despite his recent health boost, the 38-year-old admits he is still a party animal and has now found the right balance as he aims to finally taste Championship glory. world.
“Just because you go out partying doesn’t mean you’re not dedicated and apply yourself to the sport,” Allen told the PA news agency.
Mark Allen says he found the right balance in his party lifestyle to land the world title
Allen beat Robbie Williams in first round of world championships at Cruicible
The 38-year-old’s new health regime has seen him lose six kilos in recent years.
“I think in the past I probably haven’t found the right balance, and it’s about doing things at the right time, because you have to live away from snooker.
“I always enjoy evenings with my friends. I probably don’t do it as often as I used to, but when I do, I catch up. I like to take a few shots and drink vodka, but I never do it too close to a tournament now, and that’s the difference.
Allen’s change in outlook came after a crushing loss to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2022, where he was swept aside 13-4 in the second round.
The loss sparked a difficult period for the Northern Irishman, after he fought a custody battle with his partner, fellow professional, Reanne Evans, and then had to file for bankruptcy.
However, Allen, who reached the semi-finals last year after several disappointing early round eliminations, now believes he arrived at this year’s tournament fully focused on his goal.
The loss to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2022 changed Allen’s life and his career.
He added: “Ronnie wasn’t playing at his best at all and he still took me aside, and I had to ask myself if I wanted to be that player who came back here and didn’t challenge.”
“It’s been deflating coming here so many times and underperforming, because I know I have the game to win it.
“I’ve tried so many things and so far none have worked, but I feel like I’ve improved things in recent years and I approached the tournament this year on a whole new level. “
