WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson speaks out on Mark Allen absence

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) continues to be in contact with Mark Allen during his absence from snooker, as chairman Jason Ferguson hopes for his return to action as soon as possible.

Allen has not played since the World Championship semi-final in May, when he lost a thrilling encounter 17-16 to eventual champion Wu Yize.

There have been six tournaments available to Allen since then, but he has withdrawn from the Championship League, Shanghai Masters, China Open, Wuhan Open, British Open and English Open.

The Northern Irishman has also opted out of this week’s International Championship qualifiers and the upcoming Shenzhen Open.

Little information has emerged as to why Allen continues to spend time away from the professional circuit, with ‘personal reasons’ the only explanation behind his withdrawals.

World Snooker Tour has confirmed that they have been in contact with Allen and the WPBSA is doing the same through their players’ association.

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Ferguson, the chairman of snooker’s governing body, told Metro: ‘Mark is really well thought of by all of us and whatever’s going on there, obviously we’re thinking of him and wishing all the best.

‘But yes, of course, we’ve got WPBSA Players as a body that is there for players and it provides support to players.

‘I do know that they’re in communication. I don’t know all details of that because it’s dealt with through certain channels and through certain confidentiality. But I do know we’ve reached out.

‘I reached out to him initially and I do know the players’ body have reached out and I do know that’s continued.’

When Allen will return to the table is unknown, with his next opportunity coming at his home event, the Northern Ireland Open from October 18-25.

Then comes the UK Championship in November, a tournament he won in 2022 and brings with it an increased top prize this season of £312,500.

On Allen returning to action, Ferguson said: ‘From my perspective, I really love Mark Allen and I love the way he plays and I love the character of the man and I’d love to see a return.

‘I’d love to see him bounce back and start winning titles again as soon as possible. He’s a really welcome member of the tour, of course.’

Allen has said very little publicly as his time away from the game continues, although did provide a statement when he pulled out of the China Open and Wuhan Open in August.

‘I am gutted to miss these two events in China and my apologies to the fans and promoters in Taiyuan and Wuhan,’ his statement read.

‘I love playing in China and appreciate the support we always get there, but there are personal reasons why I can’t make it this time. I hope to be back playing in China later this season.’

He then posted a cryptic Instagram Story of a hooded figure with Disturbed’s cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence playing.

Allen remains number 13 in the world rankings and, despite missing a string of events, is still pretty safe in the world’s top 16.

The could change quickly, though, especially if he does not play at the big-money UK Championship in York.

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