Sports · Other Sports · 3 hrs ago
Mark Allen considers retiring after Northern Ireland Open defeat
Mark Allen is considering retiring from snooker after losing to Jordan Brown at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.
The Northern Irish player said he felt in a bad place and could not see a future in the sport.
The defeat was Allen’s first competitive match since his World Championship semi-final loss to China’s Wu Yize, when he missed a black that could have sent him to the final.
Allen said he might not have played against Brown, a close friend from Antrim, if they had not been drawn against each other in Belfast.
Brown won the match and advanced to the last 32, where he is due to face Michael Holt.
Brown said he hoped Allen would reconsider, and that he and others were behind him.
Mark Allen said he is considering retiring from snooker after losing to Jordan Brown at the Northern Ireland Open.
Allen said he could not see a future in the sport and was trying to survive.
The defeat was his first competitive match since losing to Wu Yize in the World Championship semi-final.
Brown beat Allen in their match and advanced to the last 32, where he will face Michael Holt.
Brown said he hoped Allen would reconsider and return to snooker.
- Who
- Mark Allen and Jordan Brown, two Northern Ireland players and close friends.
- What
- Allen lost to Brown at the Northern Ireland Open and said he was considering retiring from snooker.
- When
- Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
- Where
- The Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.
- Why
- Allen said he was in a bad place and could not see a future in snooker.
Mark Allen
Jordan Brown
Retirement
Mark Allen
Allen said he was considering retiring and that he could not see a future in snooker.
Jordan Brown
Brown said he had no doubt Allen would come back and hoped he would reconsider.
Allen lost to Wu Yize after missing an easy black that would have secured a place in the final.
Allen lost to Jordan Brown in his first competitive match since the World Championship semi-final and said he was considering retirement.
Brown advanced to the last 32, where he was set to face Michael Holt.
- Players
- Mark Allen and Jordan Brown
- Tournament
- Northern Ireland Open
- Match result
- Brown beat Allen
- Allen's age
- 40
- Next opponent
- Michael Holt, in the last 32
3 sources
‘In a bad place at the minute’: Mark Allen breaks down in emotional interview and reveals he is considering retiring from snooker
Mark Allen: Former world number one considering retirement after Northern Ireland Open exit
Mark Allen suggests snooker career may be over in emotional interview after Northern Ireland Open defeat
What people are saying
I just don’t see a future.
at the minute, I’m just trying to survive.
That was easily the hardest match I’ve ever had to deal with.
I have no doubt he will come back.
Posts on X
This is heartbreaking to watch 🥺💔 Mark Allen admits he may never play snooker again. We’re all rooting for you, Mark 🙏❤️