‘What’s Going On?’ Mark Allen’s Shock Seventh Withdrawal Sends Snooker World Into Frenzy
Mark Allen’s prolonged absence from competitive snooker has continued after the Northern Ireland star withdrew from another major tournament, citing personal reasons.
The World No.13 was scheduled to face Thailand’s Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon in the qualifying round of the International Championship on Saturday, September 19. However, the World Snooker Tour has confirmed that Allen will no longer take part, with Welsh amateur Duane Jones, 33, stepping in to replace him.
The International Championship, staged in Nanjing from October 31 to November 7, is one of the biggest events on the snooker calendar. Last year’s tournament featured a prize fund of £825,000, with the champion collecting £175,000.
Allen’s latest withdrawal is his seventh of the season. The former Masters and UK Championship winner has already opted out of the Championship League, Shanghai Masters, China Open, Wuhan Open, British Open and English Open.
His decision to miss the English Open is particularly notable, given that Allen won the title in 2025 and would have been among the leading contenders to defend his crown.
The Northern Irishman’s extended spell away from the table has also created uncertainty over his participation in upcoming tournaments. Allen is currently scheduled to face Belgian Ben Mertens in a held-over Shenzhen Open qualifier on September 28, but it remains unclear whether he will take part.
There are also growing questions over his appearance at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast next month, an event that would ordinarily be a major fixture in his schedule.
Allen has not played professional snooker since his dramatic World Championship semi-final defeat by China’s Wu Yize. He came agonisingly close to reaching his first Crucible final but missed a crucial black before eventually losing 17-16.
That match also produced one of snooker’s most extraordinary frames. The 14th frame lasted around 100 minutes, making it the longest frame ever played at the Crucible.
For now, Allen’s continued absence leaves fans waiting for clarity over when the former champion will return to competitive action.
