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Neil Goulding

'Realist' Mark Allen has mind made up over his future after losing pool final

Snooker star Mark Allen would love another crack at the pool world after losing in the Ultimate Pool Players Championship group final on Sunday night.

Northern Ireland’s top potter was making his debut at the event due to a gap in the snooker schedule.

And the former Masters champion made his mark as he reached the final.

Read next: Snooker star Mark Allen pulls off incredible shots on way to Ultimate Pool group final

But pool all-time great Mick Hill, a three-time Ultimate Pool champion, proved a step too far for the Antrim ace as he lost 2-0 and missed out on a place in the next phase.

“It was a great experience,” reflected snooker’s world No 14. “A huge thank you to the Ultimate Pool guys for having me.

“It was a great final to forward to against one of the all time greats.

“If the calendar allows it, then I’d definitely play in more events.

“I’m a realist and I know that I’m not going to pull up too many trees in the pool world in the long run, so I’ll have to stick to what I know best – and that’s snooker.

“But as long as the calendar allows it, then there’s no reason why I can’t dip my toe in the water and play again."

Mark Allen (Getty)

Allen endured a tough opening day on Saturday and scraped through the round-robin group phase with two wins from his five matches.

But he saw off unbeaten Luke Gilbert 8-7, 8-2 in the final four to book his spot in a hugely entertaining final against Hill, a six-time pool world champion.

The Pistol impressed in a tense first set and missed the final red in the decider as Hill cleared up from behind to pinch it 9-8.

And the experienced pool ace raced to the finish line in the second set, which he won 9-3, to keep his title hopes alive.

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