WPBSA Fully Supports Mark Allen in Mental Health Battle

Mark Allen Backed by WPBSA Chief After 10-Week Mental Health Clinic Stay

Snooker governing body chairman Jason Ferguson declared he is fully behind Northern Ireland star Mark Allen as the player battles mental health challenges, Belfast Live reported. Allen revealed the extent of his struggles following his competitive return at the Northern Ireland Open, disclosing that he recently spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic and plans to take further time away from the sport.

The Unique Pressures of Professional Snooker

Ferguson, a former professional who took up the tour on his 21st birthday in 1990, explained that snooker presents a uniquely difficult environment. He pointed out to the Press Association that the one-on-one nature of the sport leaves players sitting in a chair with their own thoughts, requiring absolute technical precision alongside unyielding mental strength. The contrast between performing under intense arena lights and returning home to isolation creates an emotional drain that heavily impacts players.

WPBSA Partners with Clinics and Charities to Support Players

Allen joins a group of prominent snooker professionals, including Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby, who have spoken openly about mental health struggles. To combat these pressures, WPBSA Players maintains active partnerships with the Sporting Chance clinic—founded by former Arsenal player Tony Adams—and the mental health charity MIND. These organizations coordinate well-being initiatives, confidential helplines, and transition support for players entering the professional circuit.

Both the WPBSA and World Snooker Tour continue to extend support to Allen following his return to the table in Belfast, which marked his first competitive appearance since his World Championship semi-final defeat to Wu Yize in April.

“Mark’s statement was very impressive and fair play to him for getting it out in public because people are worried about him. Mark is a very robust player, he’s one of the toughest players the sport has ever seen, and he’s a lovely lad as well. Everybody here is fully behind him.” April. Ferguson

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