Streamlined Mark Allen is desperate to keep shedding the pounds to secure more success.
Northern Ireland’s top potter admitted he was “embarrassed” after ballooning to over 19 stone.
But the World No.5 has trimmed down and his healthier lifestyle was one of the key factors in helping him land a maiden UK Championship crown last month.
Read more: Stunned Mark Allen 'absolutely battered' at Scottish Open by World No.57
“My target when I started was to lose six stone,” revealed Allen. “I’d love to get down to 13 stone, I’m feeling so much better about
myself.
“I’m not far off my target, but I will be more than happy when I lose more weight.
“I am in a good place with my routine, so I am pretty sure Christmas won’t affect it too much.”
Allen returns to action on Monday at the English Open, the last ranking tournament before the festive holidays. But the Antrim ace is firmly focused on winning another big title even though the temptation of mince pies is just around the corner.
Winning the UK title, after losing two finals at the tournament, saw Allen become the first Northern Irishman since Alex Higgins in 1983 to win the event.
But the 36-year-old stressed: “To follow in Alex’s footsteps is obviously a great achievement, but I’m trying to leave my own legacy in the game.
“But I’m a long way from that yet, there’s a lot more I want to achieve.”
Allen’s off-table problems have been well- documented. Divorce, child-maintenance disputes and depression left him on the brink of quitting the sport.
But thankfully most of those issues are behind him – and Allen admits he can finally see light at the end of what has been a dark tunnel.
“I’m not there yet, but I’m in a lot better place than I was,” he said.
“I just want to focus on my snooker now. I’m in happier place off the table and now I’m starting to get the results on the table which I know I’m capable of.
“It’s been a great year having won another Triple Crown event – and I also defended my Northern Ireland title.
“I didn’t start the season very well with early defeats in the first part of the year and not performing at last season’s World Championship.
“But this season has been really good so far. Results have been very consistent. I’d like to take that into 2023.”
Allen kicks off his quest for the £80,000 first prize against England’s Mitchell Mann, knowing victory would yield a meeting with Welshman Dylan Emery on Tuesday.
Former world champ Ken Doherty takes on Jamie Jones on Monday, while Northern Irish potter Gerard Greene faces four-time world champion John Higgins on the opening afternoon of action.
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