Snooker veteran Mark Allen confirms retirement thoughts after Northern Ireland Open exit

Mark Allen says retirement is “something he’s been contemplating for a while” after his first‑round defeat to Jordan Brown at the Northern Ireland Open.

He lost 4‑2 to fellow Antrim player Jordan Brown, marking his first tournament appearance since a heart‑breaking semi‑final loss to Wu Yize at the World Championship in Sheffield the previous May.

Allen described turning up for the match as an “achievement” following a “really difficult” period in his life when he had taken a break from competitive play.

“If I hadn’t been playing Jordan, I probably would not have played,” Allen told BBC Sport NI after his defeat at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

He added that he did not want his final match to be remembered for the World Championship semi‑final loss in Sheffield.

He said he wanted “a bit of nostalgia” playing Brown at the Waterfront Hall, where he made his professional debut in 2005, as a “more fitting end” if he decides to retire.

When asked directly whether he is considering retirement, Allen replied, “Yeah.”

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