- Mark Allen says there’s still a place to party, but you just have to find the balance
- The 38-year-old hopes he has found the formula to win his first world title.
- Allen will play John Higgins in the second round of the world championship.
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 third in the current world ranking after a dramatic change in his health over the past two years, which has seen him lose six kilos in weight.
However, despite his recent improvement in health, the 38-year-old admits he is still a party animal and has now found the right balance as he aims to finally taste world championship glory.
“Just because you party doesn’t mean you’re not dedicated and applied to the sport,” Allen told the PA news agency.
Mark Allen says he has found the right balance in his partying lifestyle to claim the world title.
Allen defeated Robbie Williams in the first round of the world championship at the 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 didn’t get the balance right, and it’s about doing things at the right time, because you have to have a life away from snooker.
‘I still enjoy going out at night with my friends. I probably don’t do it as often as I used to, but when I do, I make up for it. I enjoy having a few shots and drinking vodka, but now I never do it too close to a tournament, and that’s the difference.
Allen’s change of outlook came after a crushing loss to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2022, where he was swept 13-4 in the second round.
That loss triggered a difficult time for the Northern Irishman, after going through a custody battle with his partner, fellow professional Reanne Evans, and then having to declare bankruptcy.
However, Allen, who reached the semi-finals last year after several disappointing eliminations in the early rounds, now believes he has gone into this year’s tournament fully focused on his goal.
The loss to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2022 had a life-changing effect on Allen and his career.
He added: “Ronnie wasn’t playing anywhere near his best and he still pushed 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 discouraging to come here so many times and perform poorly, because I know I have the game to win it.”
“I’ve tried a lot of things and so far none of them have worked, but I feel like I’ve improved things over the last few years and I’ve come into the tournament this year on a whole new level.”