# Mark Allen's survival struggle

> Mark Allen admits he may quit snooker after years of bankruptcy, divorce and weight issues.
- Title: Mark Allen's survival struggle · Dailymail | Shortify
- Summary: Mark Allen admits he may quit snooker after years of bankruptcy, divorce and weight issues. Mark Allen, a 40-year-old snooker star, says he's 'just trying to…
- Keywords: mark allen, snooker, bankruptcy, divorce, weight loss, northern ireland, tnt sports, jordan brown, world championship, crucible, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/sport/snooker/article-16224627/Mark-Allen-40-fights-tears-emotional-interview-admits-never-play-survive.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-20T19:28:17+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mark allen, snooker, bankruptcy, divorce, weight loss, northern ireland, tnt sports, jordan brown, world championship, crucible, news, entertainment
## Mark Allen's interview
Mark Allen, a 40-year-old snooker star, admitted he might quit the sport after years of personal struggles.

> I'm just trying to survive
## Recent match loss
Allen lost to Jordan Brown in the Northern Ireland Open first round after missing a match-ball black at 16-15.
## Bankruptcy in 2021
Allen declared bankruptcy in January 2021 after spending his £3.5million prize money quickly.
## Divorce and weight loss
Allen divorced his ex-wife Kyla McGuigan in May 2020 and lost five stone through diet changes.
## Reanne Evans conflict
Allen and ex-girlfriend Reanne Evans had a public feud at the 2021 British Open over hand-holding.
## Child maintenance issue
Allen sought increased child maintenance for his daughter Lauren with Reanne Evans after disputes.
## New marriage
Allen married Sara Herald in 2023 after a period of dating.
## Weight loss progress
Allen lost five stone from 19.1 stone to 14 stone 10 pounds through diet and exercise.
## Financial advice
Allen admitted overspending on cars and homes, buying a £80,000 car for £50,00 as a £2,500 house.
## Future concerns
Allen said he might not see his daughter Harleigh married due to his lifestyle choices.
## Interview comfort
Allen received comfort from reporter Rachel Casey after nearly crying during the interview.
## Career perspective
Allen said snooker was 'all I've loved to do since I was 12' but he sees no future in the sport.
## Financial breakdown
Allen earned £2 million over 12 years but only kept £6,500 annually after taxes and expenses.
## Divorce impact
Allen's divorce from Kyla McGuigan cost him legal fees and increased financial strain.
## Weight loss motivation
Allen lost weight after speaking to Ronnie O'Sullivan and a close friend about lifestyle changes.
## Future plans
Allen said he might take a permanent break from snooker if he can't find a future in the sport.
## Key takeaway

Mark Allen, a 40-year-old snooker star, says he's 'just trying to survive' and could quit the sport due to financial problems, divorce and weight loss.