Mark Allen withdraws from Wuhan Open but aims for Belfast return

World number three Mark Allen has withdrawn from the upcoming Wuhan Open due to a family illness, but hopes to be back playing at his home event, the Northern Ireland Open, later this month.

The Pistol confirmed on social media that he will not be making the trip to Wuhan for the ranking event which starts on Sunday.

The 38-year-old had already won a qualifying match to make it to the venue stages of the event, beating Bai Yulu 5-1 in July.

His opponent in the second round of the tournament, Jamie Clarke, gets a bye into the last 32 after Allen’s withdrawal.

The Northern Irishman posted the news on X, apologising to all involved in the event, but saying that he has little choice given the circumstances.

‘I’d like to pass on my apologies to World Snooker, the Chinese promoter, my sponsors and the Chinese fans but I have had to withdraw from the upcoming Wuhan open due to a family illness,’ Allen wrote.

‘I hope to be back playing come Belfast but at this time I have to prioritise my family.’

Clarke won his qualifier 5-4 against Alfie Burden and will now face either Wu Yize or Ka Wei Cheung in Wuhan.

Allen’s withdrawal comes after something of a social media spat with Shaun Murphy, although it is not always easy to tell what is banter and what is genuine needle between the two.

The Pistol and the Magician are good friends and will often fire jibes at each other in jest, but Allen’s words did seem to take a more serious turn this week.

The Nothern Irishman criticised playing conditions at the recent British Open only for Murphy to hit out at anyone complaining, saying: ‘I think some of the criticism from fellow professionals has been nothing short of rude and amateurish.’

Allen wrote on X: ‘Anyone taking @Magician147 opinions seriously I seriously question their judgement or quite possibly their sanity, not gonna lie. Anyway, maybe I’ll take 3 cues to my next match.’

While that seemed like a joke, Allen’s next post in response to Murphy’s recent comments on Kyren Wilson felt closer to the bone as the Pistol fired at the WPBSA Players board member.

‘Actually getting a bit boring reading @Magician147 recent views….. this is someone who’s meant to represent the players at board level but openly criticising the current world champ and others. Baffling behaviour or is it just attention seeking from the yes man?’ Allen posted.

He added: ‘Trust me, it’s one view for you guys on social media and another behind the scenes in the players room. That’s why I get frustrated with his “opinions”.’

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