MARK MY WORDS
Snooker ace Mark Allen forced to apologise to ITV reporter for fuming ‘table needs to be burned’ in ‘angry’ interview
Allen's apology included another criticism of the state of the tables
SNOOKER star Mark Allen apologised to ITV reporter Rob Walker after a furious interview in which he claimed the British Open table "needs to be burnt".
Former world No1 Allen, 38, beat Gary Wilson 4-3 in Cheltenham on Monday to seal his place in the second round.
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However, he was still left raging at the state of the table during his post-match interview despite picking up the victory.
Speaking to ITV's snooker reporter Rob Walker, he said: "The conditions out there are absolutely embarrassing.
"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.
"There’s new guys doing the tables this year and they’re clearly not up to it.
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"The cushions are unplayable, uncontrollable. It was heavy... the table needs to be burned."
As Walker asked Allen whether he can do anything to alter the state of the tables, the Northern Irishman cut him off to explain he was trying to do so but insists "nothing ever changes".
Allen also claimed opponent Wilson was "laughing" at the way the cue ball was running after he hit the blue and brown from a break-off shot.
Allen later apologised to Walker on social media for the way he acted in the interview as he directed all of his anger towards the tournament conditions.
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He said: "After having some time to calm down I’d like to apologise to
@robwalkertv for that interview.
"My anger wasn’t directed at him and he definitely deserved a better interview.
Snooker pro Mark Allen answers quickfire questions ahead of the Crucible
"My frustrations were 100 per cent at the conditions which frankly haven’t been anywhere near good enough this season."
A statement from the World Snooker Tour read: "Our table-fitting team has been consistent for some time and works to the highest standards.
"The weather in the area has seen unprecedented rainfall over the last couple of days which can negatively influence the conditions.
"We have raised the issue of an open door with the venue."
Allen is not the first player to complain about snooker venues this year.
Speaking about Alexandra Palace at the Masters back in January, Ronnie O'Sullivan said: "I find it disgusting.
"Everywhere is dirty. Honestly, it just makes me feel ill."
Inside Ronnie O'Sullivan's 'Snotgate' rivalry
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN bitter feud with Ali Carter hit the headlines earlier this year in the Masters final, which the world No1 won 10-7.
As they walked past each other, the Rocket shoulder barged his rival in shocking scenes.
After the match, Carter added fuel to the fire as he alleged O'Sullivan violently cleared his nose and labelled him "disgusting".
He added: It’s outrageous behaviour from a top professional. If it gets swept under the carpet then for me, it’s not good.
“Did we have any words of exchange? No. I’ve got no words for him at all.”
O'Sullivan responded, putting his middle finger up in a press conference while saying: "For him to come out and try to trash talk me like that, do you know what? He can have one of them.
“He can sit on it as far as I’m concerned. I don’t give a f***. You know what he’s like, everybody knows what he’s like. He’s got issues.
“F***ing why has he got issues with me? I’m not having it. I don’t care, grow some balls.
“I don’t give a f***. The more he brings it on, the more I f***ing punish him every time."
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