Mark Allen has expressed doubts about the future of his professional snooker career following a defeat at the Northern Ireland Open. The Northern Irish player lost 4-2 to Jordan Brown in his first match since the World Snooker Championship, where he was eliminated in the semi-finals by Wu Yize.

Speaking after the match, Allen indicated that his decision to return to competition was influenced by the opportunity to play at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, a venue significant to his early career. "I think if I wasn’t playing Jordan I wouldn’t have come back," Allen said. He described the match as a fitting way to potentially conclude his time in the sport, noting Brown is one of his closest friends.

Allen also acknowledged the support he has received recently but admitted he is struggling with personal challenges that make continuing in snooker difficult. "The problems are within. I just don’t see a future with snooker. It’s sad to say because it’s all I’ve loved to do since I was 12," he added.

The 38-year-old, who began his professional career in 2005, has been a prominent figure in the sport for nearly two decades. His comments have prompted discussions about his potential retirement, but no official announcement has been made at this time.