Mark Allen has hinted that his five-month hiatus from the World Snooker Tour could be coming to an end. The Northern Irishman last competed in a tournament at the World Championship, suffering heartbreak in the semi-final against Wu Yize.
Allen had been on the verge of reaching the final, but missed a match-winning black in gut-wrenching fashion. Allen admitted the miss still haunted him a month after the semi-final, but it still remains one of his final actions on a professional snooker table, as he hasn't been seen since.
Cryptic clue on social media
That could be about to change, though, with suggestions he could be gearing up for a return in front of a home crowd. The Northern Ireland Open takes place next week, with Allen posting a cryptic clue on social media.
The current world No.12 said on X: “Is it time?,” with a video of him watching The Office actor Ricky Gervais doing stand-up comedy.
Fans react to message
Understandably, snooker fans were quick to react, with many hoping this was a reference to a return.
@carlsumner93 wrote: “Hope to see you back soon mark and hope everything’s well that 2nd UK title is coming.”
@I_Am_A_Twit_ posted: “I hope so Mark! The #NIOpen wouldn’t be the same without you.”
@fulham_mike1 responded: “Time to get back on the baize Pistol, the sport is better for it.”
@spinoutdaz replied: “sometimes the knocks we get in life make us come back stronger and more determined. welcome back mark.”
And @dcmcmlxxvi said: “Good to see you and hopefully we'll see you with a cue in your hand again soon. You still got Triple Crowns to win.”
Reflection on near-miss
Allen has remained generally quiet during his absence, with the snooker star having issued very few updates. Speaking back in May, Allen reflected on his near-miss at the World Championship.
He told BBC Radio Ulster’s Sportsound: "I hadn't seen my daughter Harley for three weeks and when I picked her up from school, she jumped into my arms and the first thing she said was 'how did you miss that black, daddy?’ "I have been asked a million times since and don't know what the answer is. It was a shocking miss, but I tried my best and it just didn't work out on that day. There were positives to take from the two weeks in Sheffield. I know I played well although I was disappointed with how it ended, but it's the closest I've got [to a final] and that's something I have to take."
He has been drawn against fellow countryman Jordan Brown in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open. The action gets underway on Sunday.
