Mark Allen: World number three apologises for World Snooker criticism

Mark Allen has apologised for criticising the World Snooker Tour and saying the game is in "disarray".

The comments were made after five players faced potential disciplinary action over their decision to take part in an exhibition event in Macau instead of this year's Northern Ireland Open.

"I don't think anything will change until the players revolt", Allen added.

But on Tuesday the world number three posted on X: "I regret and sincerely apologise for making these comments".

The build-up to the Northern Ireland Open was dominated by the controversy surronding five players - including world champion Luca Brecel, plus John Higgins and Mark Selby - announcing their participation in an exhibition event in Macau on the same dates as WST-sanctioned Belfast event.

The WST claimed that their actions would be "a breach of the terms of their player contract".

The dates for the exhibition event were moved at the last minute but the five players did not participate in the NI Open, which is currently taking place at the Waterfront Hall.

After his shock second-round exit to Andres Petrov at the NI Open, Allen posted on social media that he "regrets" the comments.

"I made comments about players not playing in WST events, as well as other comments about World Snooker which were damaging and I unreservedly withdraw them," he said.

"[I] look forward to working with World Snooker in the future to ensure our great sport, and the players that make it, reaches its full potential and delivers for fans around the world."