Barry Hearn’s friendly discussion with Mark Allen proves fruitful – Snooker news
A verbal brawl between World Snooker Chairman, Barry Hearn, and Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen began during the 2011 UK Championship at the York Barbican Centre. The Northern Irish potter had criticised the changes made by Hearn in certain snooker events,
as he also said that Hearn joined World Snooker just to make money for himself and he is no good to the players either.
Hearn then replied to Allen’s comments saying that he was a silly little boy making silly little comments. Meanwhile, the Pistol stood on his words and owned whatever he spoke of earlier. This brawl got worse when Hearn indicated that Allen would be questioned
by World Snooker’s disciplinary committee over his remarks.
Allen reached the final of 2011 UK Championship but lost to England’s Judd Trump. Allen and Hearn had a one-to-one meeting after the final match where, Hearn believes, all matters were settled. The snooker boss said that he convinced Allen during the frank
and friendly discussion.
Speaking to BBC Sports about the discussion, Hearn said, “We had a good meeting and the chat we had was good at opening his mind as to where he wants to be. Does he want to be a superstar in an ever-expanding global sport, or does he want to go back to billiard
halls and snooker parlours and eke out a living?”
The snooker chief added, “I explained my strategy and I think he's a little wiser now. Every player must look on decisions that I make as 'how does this affect me personally? My job is how does it affect the game? It's my way or the highway. Mark's prize
money this year is probably double what he's earned in the last couple of years so I must be doing something right.”
Hearn told BBC that they had a very friendly exchange of views in the post final meeting and he believes that Allen understands his stance now. The Northern Irish potter was previously not happy with the changes in the playing format of the UK Championship
made by Hearn. According to Hearn, the dispute has now been resolved and Allen has no grudge against him.
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