Mark Allen slams Stephen Hendry as “full of rubbish” following shot choice criticism

Mark Allen has branded Stephen Hendry “full of rubbish” following criticism of his shot selection during his second round tie at the World Snooker Championship.

The Northern Irishman defended his playing style following a hard-fought 13-9 victory over 2024 World Champion Kyren Wilson at The Crucible on Saturday.

Leading 5-1, Allen opted out of a pot on the pink to a middle pocket in favour of playing a safety shot, prompting a typically blunt assessment from Hendry in the commentary box.

Hendry said: “Surely he must pot the pink in the left middle. I just don’t understand it, he’s 5-1 ahead.

“If this is the way top level snooker is played now I don’t understand it, I’m afraid. You have to play the pink, it’s the right shot.

“I’m trying to think of another player that would refuse that pink in this Championship and I’m struggling.

“I don’t think, personally, you can win the World Championship playing this way, that’s my opinion.”

After booking his place in the quarter-finals in Sheffield for the sixth time, Allen hit back at Hendry’s remarks, insisting he will ‘never apologise’ for any shot.

“Look, Stephen’s entitled to his opinion, but more often than not, he’s full of rubbish, to be honest,” said Allen.

“Not everyone can come here and make it look as easy as he did, but you’re also looking at someone that never won a Triple Crown event after they turned 30, so the game changes and maybe that stubbornness is what cost him the later part of his career.

“There’s no question how good he was. He was my idol growing up. He’s one of the best that’s ever played the game, but we can’t all be to that standard.

“But it’s very easy for him to sit in the commentary box and criticise. He’s no idea what I’m thinking when I’m out there and and I’ll never, ever apologise for trying my hardest on any given shot.”

Allen has made numerous guest appearances as a pundit and commentator for the BBC in recent years but is yet to join the coverage during this tournament.

The former UK and Masters champion will now take on Barry Hawkins in the quarter-finals on Tuesday morning.