World No 3 Mark Allen started his British Open marketing campaign with a 4-3 win over Gary Wilson; the Northern Irishman was sad with situations on the Centaur Area at Cheltenham Racecourse; Allen faces Aaron Hill within the second spherical on Tuesday
Final Up to date: 24/09/24 8:31am
Mark Allen was sad with taking part in situations on the British Open
Mark Allen has hit out on the taking part in situations on the British Open and stated the desk he performed on must be “burned”.
The world No 3 obtained off to a successful begin within the opening spherical at Cheltenham after securing a 4-3 victory over Gary Wilson.
Nevertheless, the 38-year-old Northern Irishman was removed from impressed by what he discovered on the Centaur Area at Cheltenham Racecourse.
“The conditions out there are absolutely embarrassing,” Allen instructed ITV. “It’s some of the worst weather outside and they’ve left the massive transport doors open. It’s so cold, it’s so humid, out there.
“The desk must be burned.
“The cushions are unplayable, uncontrollable. It was heavy. The speed was decent.
“There are new guys doing the tables this 12 months and so they’re clearly less than it.”
Allen, who is due to meet Aaron Hill in the second round on Tuesday, later went on to post on social media platform X that he felt unsatisfactory playing conditions had been an issue since the 2024/25 snooker season got under way.
“After having a while to settle down I might wish to apologise to [ITV interviewer] @robwalkertv for that interview,” Allen wrote.
“My anger wasn’t directed at him and he positively deserved a greater interview. My frustrations had been 100 per cent on the situations which frankly have not been wherever close to ok this season.”
World Snooker Tour’s organisers defended the table fitters against Allen’s assessment, although added the problem of a door being left open had been discussed with Centaur Arena management.
“Our table-fitting staff has been constant for a while and works to the very best requirements,” a statement from World Snooker read.
“The climate within the space has seen unprecedented rainfall over the past couple of days which may negatively affect the situations.
“We have raised the issue of an open door with the venue.”
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