Former world no. 1 Mark Allen opens up about 10-week stay at mental health clinic

Former world No. 1 Mark Allen has revealed that he spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before being discharged to compete at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast, marking his first tournament appearance in almost six months.

The 40-year-old Northern Irishman, who reached the top of the world snooker rankings in 2024, has endured a difficult period since suffering a heartbreaking defeat in the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship in May.

Allen missed a match-winning black in an intense encounter against eventual champion Wu Yize, a moment that preceded an extended absence from professional competition.

He returned to the table this week at the Northern Ireland Open but was eliminated in the first round by his longtime friend Jordan Brown. Following the match, Allen revealed the extent of his mental health struggles, admitting that he had seriously considered retiring from professional snooker.

Despite the defeat, Allen explained that he had been determined not to let his last competitive appearance be remembered solely for his painful semi-final loss at the Crucible Theatre. His decision to compete in Belfast was also influenced by the opportunity to face Brown, someone with whom he shares a close friendship.

Allen Opens Up About His Mental Health Struggles

In a candid statement shared on X on Wednesday, Allen disclosed that he had spent the previous 10 weeks receiving care at a mental health clinic before deciding to return to competition.

“I have been in a mental health clinic for the last 10 weeks, finally discharging so I could attempt to play in Belfast,” Allen wrote.

He explained that returning to the table was particularly important for his family, especially his daughter, who he wanted to see him play in what could potentially be his final professional appearance.

“I owed that to my family, in particular my daughter to see me play for what could be the last time,” he added.

Allen also offered a sobering account of just how difficult the preceding months had been, acknowledging that his struggles had become more severe than many people might have realised.

“I’m not ok, but I’m ok 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.”

The former Northern Ireland Open champion credited his daughter, therapists, clinic staff and fellow patients with helping him navigate what he described as some of the darkest days of his life.

Their support, he explained, had helped him begin to see a way forward after a prolonged period of emotional difficulty.

“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,” Allen wrote.

Taking the Fight Beyond the Snooker Table

Throughout his career, Allen has earned a reputation as one of snooker’s most competitive players, combining technical ability with determination under pressure.

Now, he says he must draw on those same qualities away from the table as he continues working towards recovery.

“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,” he added.

His comments offered a rare and personal insight into the challenges he has faced away from professional competition, while making clear that his recovery remains an ongoing process.

Although his return in Belfast ended in defeat, Allen’s decision to speak openly about his experience has shifted the focus beyond the result itself.

Jordan Brown Offers Support After First-Round Victory

Allen’s opponent, Jordan Brown, expressed his hope that the former world No. 1 would eventually return to professional snooker, following a match that carried significance beyond the competition.

Brown secured his first career victory over Allen but made clear that the result was secondary to seeing his friend back at the table.

“The first words I said to him today was it was great to see him back and we had a big cuddle. It is tough to see him going through that,” Brown said after Tuesday’s match.

Despite Allen’s recent struggles and uncertainty over his future, Brown remained optimistic that his friend could find his way back to the sport.

“I have no doubt he will come back. Snooker is his love, he is absolutely brilliant and he is a top bloke. I wish him all the best.”

For now, Allen’s future in professional snooker remains uncertain. His immediate priority, however, appears to be his well-being rather than results or rankings.

His return to Belfast marked an important step after months away from competition, but his own words underline that recovery takes time. Whether he chooses to return to the professional circuit or bring his playing career to an end, Allen’s latest chapter is about far more than snooker.