Mark Allen suggests he could play in UK Championship as he continues treatment for mental health struggles
Mark Allen has indicated that the UK Championship is in his sights; the world No 12 says he is determined to shine a light on mental health issues; If you are affected by this story, please visit sky.com/viewersupport
Sunday 25 October 2026 09:54, UK
Mark Allen says he is hopeful of being in a "better place" mentally by the time the UK Championship begins in late November.
The Northern Irishman, who won the tournament in 2022, cast doubt on continuing his career in an emotional interview following his recent Northern Ireland Open exit.
However Allen, who received an outpouring of support having revealed he is receiving treatment in a mental health clinic, has now suggested the competition is in his sights.
On Sunday morning, Allen wrote on social media: "Completely overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since my statement. As I continue my treatment and my recovery now I know that I simply have to raise more awareness around mental health in the future.
"Best part of six weeks before the UK Championships starts and all being well I'll be in a better place by then but for now it's just one day at a time.
"Thanks again for all your support. It's meant so so much to myself and my family."
After his Northern Ireland Open defeat to compatriot Jordan Brown, Allen told TNT Sports he "doesn't see a future with snooker in it" in an interview that sparked a considerable online support for the world No 12.
The Antrim native was playing his first match since his World Championship semi-final loss to Wu Yize in April - when he missed a match-ball black off the spot at 16-15 in front and went on to lose a decider.
The 40-year-old has since stayed away from the tour due to personal issues that he has kept private, but are understood not to relate to any repercussions from the manner of his defeat at the Crucible.
Allen has been among the world's top players for a long time, winning both UK and Masters titles in a total of 12 ranking tournament wins, and has reached the world championship semi-finals three times.
A day after his NI Open loss, Allen released a statement via social media thanking everyone for their messages after his interview the previous day, and reassuring fans that his current mental state is the best it's been in months after receiving care.
"Everything I said in that interview was true," Allen wrote. "However, rest assured I'm doing my best to turn things around," he said.
"I have been in a mental health clinic for the last 10 weeks, finally discharging so I could attempt to play in Belfast.
"I owed that to my family, in particular my daughter to see me play for what could be the last time... I also owed it to the fans who have supported me throughout my 21 years on tour.
"I'm not okay, but I'm okay in that itself. I've been much worse in the last few months than you saw yesterday. I literally didn't see a future in anything.
"My daughter kept me going, the therapists, staff and all the other patients were amazing and helped me through some really dark days.
"I see the light now that I couldn't see before but I do now. I also know it won't happen overnight. I'm a work in progress.
"My fight and determination on the table has always been there for ones to see. I need to show those same fighting qualities off it now for a while."
If you are affected by these issues or want to talk, please contact the Samaritans on the free helpline 116 123, or visit the website www.samaritans.org
