An Open Letter from Mark Allen to Ronnie O’Sullivan, Fans, and the Snooker Community
To Ronnie, the fans, and everyone who loves this beautiful game,
There are moments in every athlete’s career when you take a step back—not to look at trophies or stats—but to reflect on what it really means to be part of something bigger. That’s what this letter is about. Not rankings or rivalries, but respect, gratitude, and a shared love for snooker.
Ronnie, I want to start by saying this plainly: thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this sport—for how you’ve played it, how you’ve challenged it, and how you’ve elevated it for every single one of us who’s ever picked up a cue.
You’ve been the face of snooker for decades. And let’s be honest, it’s not just about the titles, the records, or the genius shot-making. It’s your honesty, your unpredictability, your vulnerability that’s made you human—and in turn, made snooker more relatable, more alive.
As someone who’s stood across the table from you, I’ve felt all the emotions—excitement, tension, admiration, and, yes, frustration at times. Because when you’re in full flow, there’s no one like you. And while I’ve done my best to carve out my own path, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been inspired by your journey. Even when we’ve disagreed, even when we’ve challenged each other—there’s always been an undercurrent of deep respect.
To the fans who fill arenas and stay up late watching matches, who debate every shot, every break, every moment—we owe you everything. You are the heartbeat of this sport. The energy you bring, the passion, the belief—it pushes us to be better. Whether you cheer for Ronnie, me, or someone else, we feel your love, and it drives us.
I’ve had the privilege of playing at the top level for a long time now, and in that time, I’ve learned that greatness isn’t just about winning—it’s about influence. And Ronnie, your influence is everywhere. You’ve inspired kids in clubs across the UK and far beyond to believe that magic is possible. You’ve made snooker cool in a way no one else ever has. And as someone who’s raising a young daughter, I can only hope she finds something—anything—with the same passion and purpose that you’ve brought to the table every single time.
To the snooker community—players, coaches, officials, broadcasters, volunteers—we’re all part of this family. And like any family, we have our moments. But the love we have for the game binds us. We don’t always see eye to eye. We compete, we clash, we push. But we also lift each other up, learn from one another, and share something truly rare—a lifelong connection to a sport that demands focus, humility, and heart.
Ronnie, as you continue your journey—wherever it takes you next—I hope you know how deeply appreciated you are. Not just for what you’ve achieved, but for who you are. You’ve shown us that being great doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being real. Being passionate. Being willing to put your soul on the line, over and over again.
As for me, I’ll keep grinding, keep learning, keep giving everything I’ve got—because I love this game too much to do anything else. And I know you understand that more than anyone.
To all the fans and to the next generation coming through—never forget why you fell in love with snooker in the first place. Whether you dream of lifting trophies or just playing down your local club, do it with heart. Do it with pride.
This isn’t just a sport. It’s a story. And Ronnie, you’ve been one of its most unforgettable chapters. I’m honored to have shared the stage with you.
With respect, admiration, and gratitude,
Mark Allen
