Snooker star slams 'absolutely embarrassing' British Open: 'The table needs to be burned'
The World Snooker Tour have responded to Mark Allen after his scathing criticism of conditions at the British Open, with the world number three branding them "embarrassing"
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorMark Allen has labelled conditions at the British Open "absolutely embarrassing" and said the table he played on should be "burned".
The world number three got off to a winning start in the opening round at Cheltenham after securing a 4-3 victory over Gary Wilson. However, the 38-year-old Northern Irishman was far from impressed by what he found at the Centaur Arena at Cheltenham Racecourse.
"The conditions out there are absolutely embarrassing," Allen told ITV. "It’s some of the worst weather outside and they’ve left the massive transport doors open. It’s so cold, it’s so humid, out there.
"The table needs to be burned. The cushions are unplayable, uncontrollable. It was heavy. The speed was decent. There are new guys doing the tables this year and they’re clearly not up to it.
"I pride myself on preparing properly for tournaments with good conditions and you turn up and you don't get them. It's not good enough. I complain every single tournament, fill in table report sheets, match report sheets and nothing ever changes."
However, the World Snooker Tour (WST) have now responded to Allen's complaints, with a spokesperson stating: "Our table-fitting team has been consistent for some time and works to the highest standards.
"The weather in the area has seen unprecedented rainfall over the last couple of days which can negatively influence the conditions. We have raised the issue of an open door with the venue."
Allen, meanwhile, has doubled down on his complaints about the conditions at the British Open while issuing an apology to ITV presenter Rob Walker over the initial interview. In a post on social media, he wrote: "After having some time to calm down I’d like to apologise to @robwalkertv for that interview.
"My anger wasn’t directed at him and he definitely deserved a better interview. My frustrations were 100% at the conditions which frankly haven’t been anywhere near good enough this season."
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