Mark Allen has stressed he will leave “no stone unturned” in a desperate bid to rediscover his mojo ahead of the Betfred World Championship.
The Antrim ace secured a magical Northern Ireland Open title triumph in November in front of an army of home fans.
But Allen has severely struggled for results since a painful German Masters semi-final defeat in January.
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And the world No 11 is determined to turn his faltering form around before his tilt at a maiden Crucible crown at the sport’s spiritual Sheffield home.
“It’s a trying time at the minute,” said Allen, who admits he is at a low ebb with his game.
“I’m trying really hard and if anything maybe I’m trying a little bit too hard to make something happen.
“I’ve still got time before Sheffield and no stone will be left unturned.
“I need to iron a few things out, I’m not quite happy with where my game’s at at the moment.I’m not quite as sharp as I’d like.”
The former Masters champion has been tinkering with his game - but the Ulsterman is finding it difficult to get in the zone and find his natural fluency.
He added: “I feel like I’m trying a few different things when I’m out on the match table, and you can’t be doing that when you’re playing the best players in the world.
“You need to be confident in what you’re doing and at the minute I’m not quite there.
“I’m trying new things to get something going, but you need to let it flow.
“I’ve been through spells like this in the past and still won tournaments so I won’t be too down on myself.
“It would be nice if I can turn it around for Sheffield.”
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