Mark Allen has been a drive to be reckoned with within the snooker world for greater than a decade.
Mark Allen in motion on the World Snooker Championship. (Picture: Getty Photos)
Mark Allen is as soon as once more commanding consideration on the World Snooker Championship, although it is not solely his shows on the baize which have drawn curiosity lately. The Northern Irishman has battled his means into the semi-finals on the Crucible after defeating Barry Hawkins, organising a last-four encounter with Wu Yize in a gruelling best-of-33-frames contest in Sheffield.
A former world No.1 and Triple Crown winner, the 36-year-old has loved a distinguished profession, but his journey away from the desk has proved equally eventful — encompassing a outstanding bodily transformation, private hardships and monetary difficulties.
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Past the game, Allen has additionally confronted well-publicised private struggles, notably regarding his relationship with fellow skilled Reanne Evans.
The previous couple, who’ve a daughter collectively, Lauren, break up in 2008 and have become locked in a protracted dispute over youngster upkeep – a matter Allen confessed has taken its toll on him.
“With out going into all the small print, the Reanne scenario remains to be ongoing and I would love nothing greater than to get that sorted after which we may all transfer on,” he stated after successful the UK Championship in 2022.
Mark Allen in his earlier enjoying days. (Picture: Getty Photos)
“As a result of it is not good. You come to tournaments and we aren’t even saying good day and now we have a toddler collectively.”
Their fractured relationship was thrown into sharp aid throughout awkward scenes on the 2021 British Open, when Evans rejected Allen’s supply of a pre-match fist bump forward of their encounter – labelled the ‘Battle of the Exes’.
Each subsequently acknowledged how difficult the assembly had been, regardless of Allen securing a final-frame triumph. In newer instances, Allen has discovered happiness as soon as extra and is at present in a relationship with Sara Herald, with the pair turning into engaged earlier this yr.
Web price after chapter
Regardless of pocketing tens of millions all through his profession, Allen’s story has additionally been marked by vital monetary turmoil.
The previous world No.1, who has amassed greater than £5million in prize cash, was declared bankrupt in January 2021 after acknowledging he had overspent all through his skilled life.
“I simply overspent in each side of my life,” he stated on the time. “Chapter was the one selection.”
Reanne Evans snubbed Allen forward of their match in 2021 (Picture: WST)
Reflecting on his predicament, Allen admitted he had uncared for to plan forward regardless of his appreciable earnings.
“It is simple to learn that I made £3.5m on the desk, however I spent it as quick because it was coming in,” he admitted. “I did not put something apart for a wet day.”
His monetary woes have been additional compounded by his divorce from ex-wife Kyla McGuigan in 2020, with mounting authorized prices including to the burden.
“If I may return, I’d be extra wise with cash,” he stated. “All the pieces simply snowballed.”
But latest years have introduced a outstanding turnaround. By 2024, Allen revealed he had returned to a steady place each financially and mentally.
“Issues are going very well,” he stated. “My personal life is sweet, and financially I am in a greater place… I am simply wanting ahead to enjoying greater than I used to be.”
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