British Open: Mark Allen says British Open table ‘should be burned’

Mark Allen called the conditions at the British Open “absolutely disgraceful” and said the table on which he beat Gary Wilson should be “burned”.

The world number three from Northern Ireland defeated Wilson 4-3 but was frustrated by the fact that the match was played on table two.

“The conditions there are absolutely shameful,” he told ITV.

“It’s some of the worst weather outside and they’ve left the huge transport doors open. It’s so cold, it’s so humid, out there.

“The table must be burned.”

Allen said it was “not good enough” for a tournament like the British Open.

“The cushions are unplayable, uncontrollable. It was tough. The speed was quite

“There are new guys at the tables this year and they are clearly not suited for it.

“I pride myself on preparing well for tournaments with good conditions and you show up and you don’t get them. That’s not good enough.”

Allen, who finished runner-up at the 2022 British Open, will face Aaron Hill in the next round, but the 38-year-old does not expect his symptoms to have any consequences.

“I complain at every tournament, fill in rankings and match reports and nothing ever changes.”

A spokesperson for the World Snooker Tour (WST) told BBC Sport: “Our table fitting team has been working consistently for some time and to the highest standards.

“The area has seen unprecedented rainfall in recent days, which could have a negative impact on conditions.

“We have raised the issue of the open door at the location.”