Mark Allen says his snooker career may be over after first‑round loss

The 40‑year‑old former world champion lost 4‑2 to Jordan Brown/Hall in Belfast and said he may retire.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:57:06 GMT

Mark Allen, a former world number one, told TNT Sports he is "in a bad place" and is considering ending his professional snooker career after a 4‑2 first‑round defeat at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.

What happened

Allen’s match against Jordan Brown (the Guardian) or Jordan Hall (the Independent) took place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on 20 October 2026. He missed a match‑ball black at 16‑15, lost the deciding frame and was eliminated 4‑2. The loss followed his return to competition after a semi‑final defeat to Wu Yize at the World Championship in May.

What the reports add

The Guardian reported that Allen’s opponent was Jordan Brown, while the Independent named Jordan Hall. Both outlets note that the match was Allen’s first since his World Championship semi‑final loss and that he missed a match‑ball black at 16‑15. The Guardian adds that a close friend from Antrim said Allen plans to take another long break, possibly permanent. The Independent highlights TNT Sports interviewer Rachel Casey’s consoling remarks, describing her handling of the moment as “humanity and understanding.”

What was said

Allen told TNT Sports, "Not good if I’m honest. Really overwhelmed. I’m in a bad place at the minute, so even just to go out there and try was tough," as reported by both outlets. He added, "I think if I wasn’t playing Jordan I wouldn’t have come back" and "I felt like if I was going to play one last time, playing here at the Waterfront where it all started in 2005, against one of my best mates – I thought that was a better way to sign out." The Guardian records Allen saying, "I’ve been flooded with support but the problems are within. I just don’t see a future with snooker in it, if I’m honest." The Independent includes Casey’s response: "It’s so good to see you, and I know it’s so, so hard to see. But listen, there is always a road back, and you have so many friends."

How it came about

Allen’s return to the tour followed a semi‑final loss to Wu Yize at the World Championship in May, a defeat he described as agonising. His earlier career includes two Triple Crown titles and a world‑number‑one ranking. Felo News previously covered Allen’s 2025 interview about his mental health struggles here, noting his openness about personal issues that do not directly relate to his Crucible defeat.

Key facts

Mark Allen lost 4‑2 to Jordan Brown/Hall in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast. (theguardian.com)
Allen said he is "in a bad place" and may quit professional snooker. (independent.co.uk)
He missed a match‑ball black at 16‑15 before losing the deciding frame. (theguardian.com)