Mark Allen admitted his snooker career may be over after losing 4-2 to Jordan Brown at the Northern Ireland Open on his emotional return following months away for personal reasons

Mark Allen has confessed his snooker career could be nearing its conclusion following a defeat in his comeback match.

The Northern Irishman lost 4-2 to close friend Jordan Brown at the Northern Ireland Open, marking his first appearance since the World Championship.

Allen had endured a heartbreaking semi-final loss to Wu Yize at the Crucible, where he missed a straightforward black that would have secured his place in the final.

He hadn't competed since that devastating defeat due to personal matters before returning to action yesterday, but revealed he may not play professionally again.

"I'm in a bad place at the minute," the former world No1 said. "Even to go out there and try was tough," reports Belfast Live.

"I think if I wasn't playing Jordan I wouldn't have come back. I felt if I was going to play one last time, playing here at the Waterfront where it all started in 2005, against one of my best mates I thought that was a better way to sign out."

When questioned about whether he was genuinely contemplating retirement, a visibly emotional Allen responded: "Yeah. I've been flooded with support but the problems are within.

"I just don't see a future with snooker, if I'm honest. It's sad to say because it's all I've loved to do since I was 12.

"The last few months have been really difficult and it's sort of put snooker into perspective for me.

"At the minute I'm just trying to survive."

The 40 year old was absent from numerous major tournaments at the season's outset, including the Shanghai Masters, China Open, Wuhan Open, British Open and Shenzhen Open. The Pistol was also absent from the English Open, where he had been the defending champion.

Allen claimed the opening frame against Brown before being reeled back in. With the match poised at 2-2, Brown took the next two frames to book his place in the next round.

Brown said: "That was easily the hardest match I've ever had to deal with.

"There's more to life than snooker. We're all behind him. It's hard seeing him like that.

"I've missed Mark. I love him. He's just a great guy through and through."