Mark Allen's incredible weight loss as he loses in British Open final

Snooker star Mark Allen has told how he lost four stone over the summer after serious worries over his health.

The Antrim man came up just short to Ryan Day in the final of the British Open last week.

But the 37-year-old believes he has made gains off the table that were more important than the result.

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Asked about his weight loss, Allen said: "I did it for my life, not for my snooker.

"I just didn't feel healthy six months ago. It's definitely done me no harm."

"If it helps my snooker too, then brilliant. That seems to have happened this week."

Allen weighed 19 stone when competing at the World Snooker Championship in May.

Mark Allen pictured at the Snooker World Championships before his body transformation (Getty Images)

But a chat with Ronnie O'Sullivan, an avid runner, has changed Allen's mindset on life.

Allen said: "Off the table I feel I've got my priorities a bit better now. I'm not there yet but things are much better off the table.

"I've kept myself healthier and I want to be around for my family and my daughter and see her growing up.

"It was just a snooker match I lost on Sunday. Things are going well for me in every other way."

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