Players 'hold the power' to snooker's future - Allen

Mark Allen will begin the defence of his 2022 UK Championship title later this month in York.

Mark Allen says the "players ultimately hold the power" to the future of the sport following his criticism of the World Snooker Tour.

But Allen, who plays John Higgins in the Champion of Champions semi-final on Saturday, believes snooker is a "long way away" from being its best self.

"I believe so," said Allen, when asked if changes should be player led.

"I think the players ultimately hold the power. Without the top players, the game doesn't survive, so I think changes are needed.

"I think the sport is a long way away from being what it can be. I'm happy to sit down with the people that make those decisions in a quiet room and discuss it.

"Hopefully we can sit down and amicably come to a good settlement."

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The Northern Irishman won the Northern Ireland Open title, the UK Championship title and the World Grand Prix title last season.

His success on the table earned him the award of World Snooker Tour player of the year for the 2022/2023 season.

Allen will attempt to defend his UK Championship title in York later this month in hopes to top off a stellar year.

"It's been the best 12 months of my career and it would be nice to finish it off with a win. Champion of Champions or UK Championships, I'll take any of them," added Allen.

"I want to be world number one, I want to be world champion. It hasn't been the best start to the season but there is a long way to go, a lot of tournaments to go.

"I still believe I can finish [the season as world number one]. If I win the world championships that takes care of both.

"They are the ultimate goals. When I first lifted a cue at 12 years of age, that's what I wanted to be - world number one and world champion.

"They are within my grasp now. They weren't a few years ago but they are now. I keep working hard and I believe I can get there."