Allen reveals mental health clinic stay before return

Mark Allen said he is trying to improve his mental health after spending 10 weeks in a mental health clinic. The former world number one returned to snooker after five months away, losing to his friend Jordan Brown in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open, and said he is considering retirement.

The 40-year-old discharged himself from the clinic to prepare for the match, which he said he felt he owed to his family, fans and the sport’s governing body. He plans to continue treatment and described himself as a work in progress. Allen has played professionally for 21 years, won 12 ranking titles, and reached the top of the world rankings in 2024.