Sep 24, 2024, 10:33 AM
Sep 23, 2024, 9:52 PM

Mark Allen criticizes British Open snooker table conditions in Cheltenham

Provocative
Highlights
  • Mark Allen criticized the playing conditions at the British Open in Cheltenham after his first-round win.
  • He described the table as 'unplayable' and attributed the poor conditions to cold and humid weather.
  • Allen later apologized for his comments, emphasizing that his frustrations were aimed at the conditions, not the interviewer.
Story

Mark Allen expressed his dissatisfaction with the playing conditions at the British Open in Cheltenham after his first-round victory over Gary Wilson. He criticized the cold and humid environment caused by open transport doors at the Centaur Arena, which he felt negatively impacted the game. Allen described the table as 'unplayable' and suggested it should be 'burned' due to its poor condition. He noted that the cushions were difficult to control, although the speed of the table was acceptable. The World No 3's comments came after a series of unprecedented weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, which affected the venue. World Snooker responded to Allen's criticisms by stating that their table-fitting team maintains high standards and acknowledged the impact of the weather on the playing conditions. They also mentioned addressing the issue of the open door with the venue management. Following his outburst, Allen took to social media to apologize for his remarks during the interview, clarifying that his frustration was directed at the conditions rather than the interviewer. He emphasized that the playing conditions this season have not met acceptable standards, indicating a broader concern among players regarding the quality of the tables. As he prepares to face Aaron Hill in the second round, Allen's comments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by players in maintaining optimal playing conditions, which are crucial for fair competition in professional snooker.

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