An Open Letter from Mark Allen to Ronnie O’Sullivan, the Fans, and the Snooker Community
Dear Ronnie, Snooker Fans, and the Entire Snooker Community,
I hope this letter finds you all well. As someone who has spent most of my adult life around the green baize, I feel compelled to take a moment to reflect, to offer my respect, and to share a few thoughts about the game we all love, the direction it’s heading in, and the icons—like Ronnie O’Sullivan—who have shaped it.
Ronnie, we’ve shared countless frames, exchanged fierce breaks, and battled under the brightest lights. I’d be lying if I said those matches weren’t among the most intense of my career. Every time I play you, I know I’m facing not just a world-class talent, but a force of nature. And while we’ve had our differences over the years—some public, some private—I want to make it clear: my respect for what you’ve achieved is absolute.
You’ve carried this sport on your shoulders for decades, sometimes reluctantly, often brilliantly. You’ve brought millions of eyes to snooker, inspired generations, and redefined what it means to be a snooker player. It’s not just about centuries and titles; it’s about the swagger, the creativity, and the honesty with which you’ve played—and lived.
But this letter isn’t just about you and me. It’s about all of us—players, fans, officials, and everyone who’s invested in the beautiful struggle that is professional snooker. I’ve seen this sport evolve, and while I believe we’re still rooted in something truly special, there are challenges we need to face together.
First and foremost, the calendar. The demands on players—mentally, physically, and emotionally—have never been greater. We travel across continents, often with minimal rest and preparation. I’m not asking for sympathy; we’re fortunate to do what we love. But if we want to see the best version of this sport, we need to build a structure that allows players to peak, not burn out. Fans deserve to see us at our best, not managing exhaustion.
To the fans—thank you. Whether you’re cheering in arenas or watching quietly at home, your passion keeps this sport alive. I see the banners, the late-night messages, and the unwavering support through wins and losses. You remind us why we pick up the cue every day. And you deserve honesty and effort in return. That’s something I’ve always tried to give, even on days when the results didn’t follow.
I also want to say something to the younger generation. There’s room for new heroes. Don’t be intimidated by the giants who came before you. Learn from them. Challenge them. One day, it’ll be your name on the trophy, your face in the crowd, your legacy in the making. And when that happens, I hope you remember where this journey started—with love for the game, and the will to improve.
Ronnie, I don’t know how much longer you’ll keep gracing the circuit. Maybe five years, maybe five months. But know this—you’ve changed the game forever. And whether we’re opponents or simply fellow professionals, I’ll always value what you’ve contributed to snooker. When I beat you, it means more. When I lose to you, I learn. That’s the mark of a true champion.
As for me, I still believe my best is ahead. I’ve had to fight harder than most, both on and off the table. But that fight has made me resilient. It’s made me grateful. And it’s made me hungrier than ever to leave a legacy of my own—not in comparison to anyone else’s, but in the name of everything this sport has given me.
To everyone reading—thank you for supporting snooker. Let’s keep pushing the game forward, honoring the past, embracing the future, and never forgetting the magic that drew us in the first place.
With respect,
Mark Allen
