Mark Allen opened up on his personal struggles during a heart-breaking interview at the Northern Ireland Open, hinting at walking away from snooker altogether

Mark Allen has revealed he is contemplating walking away from snooker in a heart-breaking television interview following his early exit from the Northern Ireland Open. The three-time Crucible semi-finalist was making his comeback to the table for the first time since the World Snooker Championship in May.

He faced close friend Jordan Brown in the first round, but was unable to get the better of him, going down to a 4-2 defeat. Allen has had an incredibly tough year, having pulled out of numerous events citing 'personal reasons' over recent months.

Speaking following his loss to Brown, he confessed he was in a "bad place" and acknowledged that retirement from snooker was likely on the cards. Appearing visibly emotional on TNT Sports, Allen was asked how he was feeling and replied: "Not good, if I'm honest.

"Really overwhelmed, I'm in a bad place at the minute. Even just to go out there and try was tough. I think if I wasn't playing Jordan I wouldn't have come back.

"I felt like, 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."

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

When pressed on whether he was genuinely contemplating bringing his career to a close, Allen said: "Yeah. I've been flooded with support but the problems are within. I just don't see a future for 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."

Brown, meanwhile, described it as "easily the hardest match" he had ever been required to play throughout his entire snooker career. He made clear his unwavering support for Allen, saying it was tough to see him in such a state, adding: "I've missed him, I love him, just a great guy through and through."

Reflecting on his own situation, Brown acknowledged that he had needed to focus on securing the win, while admitting that he too is going through a particularly challenging period.

Despite this, he revealed he is working hard to get his game back on track and is determined never to experience anything like that again.

Information and support can be found at the Hub of Hope, the UK's largest mental health support directory, at hubofhope.co.uk.

Text SHOUT to 85258; or call the Samaritans free at any time on 116 123. Lines are open 24 hours a day.

You can also email jo@samaritans.org.