Mark Allen Calls Out Ronnie O'Sullivan Over Pressure on Snooker Rival Wu Yize
Mark Allen has publicly criticised Ronnie O'Sullivan for what he perceives as deliberate attempts to unsettle young Chinese snooker sensation Wu Yize. The Northern Irish player has urged O'Sullivan and other top stars to refrain from heaping excessive pressure on the 22-year-old prodigy, who is widely tipped for future greatness in the sport.
Wu Yize's Meteoric Rise in Snooker
Wu Yize has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough in recent seasons, securing his maiden ranking title at the International Championship and breaking into the world's top 16. His debut at the Masters at Alexandra Palace last month further cemented his status as one of snooker's most promising talents. All eyes are now on his performance at the upcoming World Snooker Championship in April, where he aims to make a significant impact despite a first-round exit in last year's competition.
O'Sullivan's Glowing Predictions for the Youngster
Ronnie O'Sullivan has been among Wu Yize's most vocal supporters, forecasting a stellar future for the Chinese player. Speaking ahead of the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, O'Sullivan made bold predictions: "I think Wu Yize is going to be world number one, I'd give him three years, definitely going to be world champion very, very soon, [he's a] phenomenal player." He compared Wu to snooker legends, suggesting he possesses the positional play of Steve Davis combined with modern dynamism and scoring power.
Allen's Accusations of Mind Games
However, Mark Allen believes such praise is counterproductive. In an interview with Sportsboom, Allen accused O'Sullivan of employing psychological tactics: "I think Ronnie's very clever in the sense that if he sees a threat, he'll tuck you up. He'll try add more pressure." Allen pointed to historical examples where O'Sullivan made similar predictions about players like Stephen Maguire and Ding Junhui, suggesting these comments were strategic rather than purely complimentary.
Allen emphasised: "I'd rather just let the kid play. He's still so young, don't put any more pressure on him. They're already doing it."
Technical Advice for Wu Yize's Development
Following his 6-3 victory over Wu Yize at the Players Championship in Telford, Allen offered constructive criticism alongside his concerns about pressure. He praised Wu's attacking prowess but highlighted areas for improvement: "I think he needs to maybe round his game a little more. At the minute with his game, if those long ones aren't getting in and he's not making big breaks, he becomes quite easy to play against."
Allen acknowledged Wu's entertainment value, noting: "He's great for the game in the sense that when they are going in, he's one of the best in the sport to watch. He scores so fast and he plays the way everyone probably wants to play. On your bad days, he can make you look a bit silly."
The Broader Context of Snooker Rivalries
This exchange between Allen and O'Sullivan highlights the intense psychological dynamics within professional snooker. As young talents like Wu Yize emerge, established players often navigate a fine line between encouragement and gamesmanship. With the World Snooker Championship approaching, the spotlight on Wu's performance will only intensify, testing both his skill and mental resilience under the weight of expectations set by legends of the sport.
