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"I'm a proud Northern Irishman and I get so much support here. "The Masters is one of the biggest tournaments we play for - it's one you'll be judged on in your career when you finish. "It was the best atmosphere I have ever played in and comes second only to winning The Masters in terms of my career so far. "There were a number of things that happened this week that in years gone by I would have let affect me and got beaten, but I'm just in a good place right now." Allen salutes his fans after winning NI Open the final by beating John Higgins 9-8 'Best atmosphere I've ever played in'Īllen twice led by two frames in Sunday's final before Higgins battled back to level at 4-4 after the first session.Īfter sharing the next four frames, the four-time world champion took command by winning two in a row, but Allen surged back, winning the last three to seal an emotional win.
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"I think with everything that's going on off the table for me, which I'll not go into, I think it's making me stronger as a person. "Mentally I am in a good place with good people around me and winning this title is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. "To win another tournament with all that is going on in the background shows where I am at mentally," said the 35-year-old after his success in Belfast. "I want to continue playing snooker because it's what I love to do - it's the only thing I'm good at, the only thing I've ever done in my life." 'Mentally in a good place'Īllen did not go into the specifics about why he might have to walk away from the sport but he has spoken in the past about coping with mental health issues external-link and of undergoing divorce proceedings external-link from wife Kyla.Īfter losing to Mark Selby in the second round of the World Championship in April, the reigning Champion of Champions winner hinted at taking time away from the sport because of his personal off-table difficulties but has bounced back to clinch the sixth ranking event title of his career and move up from 11th to ninth in the world rankings. "I think the threat of possibly not being able to play going forward has made me appreciate the game a lot more. "All that has happened in the last 18 months have put things into perspective for me and made me realise how much I love the sport, how much I love the competition. That'll take care of itself in the next few months. "I'm not sure if I'll be able to play in the next tournament the way things are and am unsure how much I'll be able to play long-term. Allen declared himself bankrupt in May and says he is unsure if he will be able to continue playing the sport.