Mark Allen interview for Cue Power Snookerblog, 25.1.2014.
1. All the players always say they enjoy the Shoot-Out. Is it the atmosphere, or is it because the format and the rules are different than in traditional snooker?
It has a bit of everything, you have to come here and not take it too seriously and try to have some fun. In the first year I didn't know what to expect in my first match and I took it too seriously. Now I handle it better. It's a one off event and anything can happen.
2. The crowd tends to get a bit loud in Shoot-Out, does that make things more difficult for a player? Does it make the game more enjoyable when the crowd get involved, or does it make the situation more stressful?
It is difficult and we're not used to it, but it's only once a year for ten minutes so we can adapt. I would not fancy playing in that kind of atmosphere for my livelihood in the big events.
3. Neil Robertson said he won´t be playing, because he doesn´t like the atmosphere, and feels Shoot-Out is "crass, a lottery over one frame and players have to act like clowns" (eurosport.com, 15.1.2014). Do You feel it´s "a crass lottery"?
I agree with Neil but I like it for that reason. It gives the crowd something different and you see new faces in the final stages, like Martin Gould. It's good for the sport as long as it's just once a year.
4. You are nicknamed "The Pistol" which I think describes you as a player very well: very fast and entertaining. Does this kind of quick snooker with shot clock suit The Pistol particularly well?
It suits the quick thinkers but at the same time you don't have to do much wrong to lose. It does favour the faster players but that doesn't mean they will win because each match is just ten minutes.
5. You´ve had a decent season so far, couple of PTC-trophies, beaten some top-players, quarters at UK Championship. How do You see it, and what kind of targets have you set for youself for the rest of the season?
My results have been ok and I have more or less kept my ranking position. But my performances have been way below par. I didn't even play that well in the two events I won, and in the major events I have been poor. It needs to improve but all I can do is keep putting the work in and wait for the results.
Thank you and thanks to all of the snooker fans in Finland for your support!
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Cue Power Snookerblog would like to thank Mark Allen for the interview. Also big thanks to World Snooker / Ivan Hirschowitz, for support and help.
