The Northern Irishman said he has 'been flooded with support, but problems are within'

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Former world No1 Mark Allen admitted he is "in a bad place" and is considering quitting snooker in a heartbreaking interview.

Allen was speaking after his 4-2 first-round defeat to Jordan Brown in the Northern Ireland Open, marking his first match since May, after losing to Wu Yize in the World Championship semi-final.

Allen, 40, suggested the match could be his last as a professional after exiting the competition.

He said: "I felt like if I was going to play one last time, playing here at the Waterfront [Hall] where it all started [in] 2005, against one of my best mates, I thought that was a better way to sign out.

"I've been flooded with support, but problems are within. I just don't see a future of us sticking in it, if I'm honest.

"It's sad to say because it's all I've loved to do since I was 12, but the last few months have been really difficult, and it sort of put snooker into perspective for me. But tonight, I'm just trying to survive."