Allen loses and contemplates quitting

Mark Allen, the former world number one, lost four two to Jordan Brown in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on October twentieth.

First match since Sheffield heartbreak

Allen's loss to Brown was his first competitive match since May, when he lost to Wu Yize in the World Championship semi-final in Sheffield in heartbreaking fashion.

Retirement is something I have contemplated

Allen told BBC Sport NI that retiring from snooker is something he has been contemplating for a while and that showing up to play was an achievement after a really difficult period.

“something I have been contemplating for a while”

Why he chose to play Brown

Allen said he did not want his last match remembered for the Sheffield semi-final, and playing Jordan at the Waterfront where it all started in two thousand five would be a more fitting end.

“I felt like I did not want my last match to be remembered for that semi-final in Sheffield”

Allen in a bad place mentally

Speaking to TNT Sports, Allen said he was in a bad place at the minute and does not see a future with snooker in it, though he has not announced retirement yet.

“I do not see a future with snooker in it”

Brown hopes Allen will reconsider

Jordan Brown, who won four two, said the victory was the least satisfying he has ever had. Brown hopes Allen will reconsider, saying snooker is his love and he is a top bloke.

“I really hope so”

Allen has six weeks to decide

Allen said something needs to change within the next six weeks before the UK Championship for him to show up, and he needs to work hard on himself to see what is around the corner.

“something needs to change within the next six weeks before the UK Championship”