Mark Allen's magical week at the UK Championship was defined by resilient revivals - but his true resurgence began long before he pitched up at York's Barbican Centre.
Allen's is a tumultuous story of harsh truths, introspection and application from a player who has climbed out of the mire and is now determined to establish his own legacy. That Allen is one of modern snooker's finest talents is seldom doubted, but the Antrim potter had never reached the eminent heights of Northern Ireland's greatest Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor.
Now, after completing the second leg of the Triple Crown with a sensational comeback from 6-1 down against Ding Junhui to triumph 10-7, he has disowned any underachiever tag and can set about becoming a serial winner of the sport's biggest events..
Allen's remarkable rise on the table came after a distinct period in the wilderness. Away from snooker, he was left embarrassed by the financial plight that caused him to declare bankruptcy in January 2021.
He has spoken candidly on his lack of financial prudence despite earning £3.5 million in career winnings on tour, admitting he 'overspent in every aspect of life' as he failed to cope with the mounting legal costs of a difficult divorce process.
Allen's form did not paper over the cracks of a spiralling personal life either, and he was overweight and uncomfortable on the table as Ronnie O'Sullivan thrashed him 13-4 at the World Championship in April.
But it was an hour long conversation with the game's greatest ever player after that one-sided Crucible clash in a hotel room in Sheffield that helped spark Allen's rebirth. Fitness fanatic O'Sullivan spoke of the benefits of losing weight on Allen's mindset. And a brutal dose of reality from one of Allen's closest friends accelerated an epic body transformation over the summer months.
“One of my very closest friends said to me: ‘If you keep going the way you’re going Mark, you won’t be here to walk (young daughter) Harleigh down the aisle.’" Allen recently reflected. "That was tough to hear but probably what I needed to hear.”
An ultra-disciplined and tenacious Allen embarked on a huge weight loss journey, shedding five stone in under four months, whilst also celebrating his engagement to partner Aideen. And the impact of his new slimline shape has been marked by staggering consistency on the table, with the 36-year-old more at ease than ever on the green baize.
He has been the best player this season, reaching the final of the British Open and securing back-to-back wins as he defended his home Northern Ireland Open title before his biggest victory in York. The healthy £250,000 prize money for the UK title has increased his earnings for the season to almost £400,000, but Allen is more concerned about adding to his trophy cabinet.
"That’s me up to two Triple Crowns and hopefully I can go on and win many more to come," a laser-focused Allen stated in York. Few would now bet against him.
