Top Northern Ireland potter Mark Allen has revealed he’s lost almost four stone as he bids to reclaim his spot among snooker’s elite.
The former Masters champion had a long chat with Ronnie O’Sullivan to get some advice after the Rocket knocked him out en route to a record-equalling seventh World Championship in May.
And the Antrim ace took the Chigwell potter’s words on board as he went on a strict diet to shed the pounds.
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“I’ve lost almost four stone and hopefully that continues,” revealed the world No 14.
“I’d been thinking about it for a long time. I’ve been on diets in the past, but have fallen off the wagon.
“I’ve been trying hard, it’s been tough, a lot harder than I thought it would be but it’s something I’ve been needing to do. It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked on a diet.
“I’ve been really watching what I’ve been eating since Sheffield. I haven’t done much exercising really but I’ve cut down my portion sizes.
“I’ve not really drunk much either. I’ve only had about one or two drinks since the World Championship and that’s helped as well.”
Four-time world champion John Higgins lost four stone last season due to a gruelling spinning regime.
The Scottish star went on to reach five finals, including losing to Allen in their famous Northern Ireland Open final.
And Allen hopes the weight loss helps him become a regular in the game’s showpieces.
The six-time ranking-event winner added: “I don’t think there’s any coincidence that the players winning a lot of tournaments keep themselves in great shape.
“It’s well documented how much time Ronnie spends in the gym and running.
“John did incredibly well last year and it helped him on the table as well.
“Hopefully it does the same for me because I still have a burning desire to win tournaments.
“If I didn’t have that then I wouldn’t still be playing.”
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