Snooker chief backs Mark Allen in mental health recovery

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 16:33 · Archive

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson backs snooker player Mark Allen as he returns to action after a 10-week mental health clinic stay.

Mark Allen has returned to competitive snooker after spending 10 weeks at a mental health clinic. The 40-year-old Northern Irish player revealed his recent treatment following his appearance at this week's Northern Ireland Open and is planning to take further time away from the sport to reflect on his future.

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson, the sport's governing body leader and a former professional himself, declared he is 'fully behind' Allen. Ferguson highlighted the particular mental pressures faced by elite snooker players, noting that the sport's top competitors must maintain both technical skill and mental strength at optimal levels while spending considerable time away from home.

Ferguson told the Press Association that snooker presents unique challenges compared to other sports. 'It's a one-on-one sport and nobody can stop you thinking about things when you're sat in that chair,' he said, describing the emotional toll of moving rapidly from competing in front of live audiences and television to isolation at home. Allen joins other prominent snooker players including Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby who have publicly discussed their mental health struggles.

How it is being reported

• Snooker chief says WPBSA 'fully behind' Mark Allen in mental health battleMark Allen has received the full backing of WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson as the Northern Ireland snooker star returns to action following a 10-week stay at a mental health clinic, with Ferguson stressing the unique pressures faced by the sport's top professionalsBelfast Live · 22 Oct, 16:07
• Jason Ferguson says WPBSA ‘fully behind’ Mark Allen in mental health battleBelfast Telegraph · 22 Oct, 15:51

In this story: Mark Allen · Jason Ferguson · WPBSA · Northern Ireland

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