Former world No.1 snooker player Mark Allen has broken down in an emotional interview as he revealed he might walk away from the sport.

Allen was knocked out in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open by good friend Jordan Brown in his first match since his heartbreaking loss in the world championship semi-final six months ago.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mark Allen considers retirement from snooker

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The 40-year-old had been dealing with private personal matters during his absence and gave a glimpse into his struggles during a raw interview with TNT Sports presenter Rachel Casey.

“I’m in a bad place at the minute, so even just to go out there and try was tough,” Allen said.

“I think if I wasn’t playing Jordan, I wouldn’t have come back.

“I felt like if I was going to play one last time, playing here at the Waterfront, where it all started in 2005, against one of my best mates — I thought that was a better way to sign out.”

Mark Allen broke down on live TV. Credit: TNT

When asked by Casey if was genuinely thinking of retiring, Allen confirmed he was.

Casey went on to explain how much love and support he had from the snooker community, hoping he will remain in the sport.

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But Allen then opened up on his issues, admitting he is just trying to survive.

“I’ve been flooded with support, but problems are within,” he continued.

“I just don’t see a future with snooker in it, if I’m honest.

“It’s sad to say, because it’s all I’ve loved to do since I was 12, but the last few months has been really difficult, and it’s sort of put snooker into perspective for me.

“At the moment, I’m just trying to survive.”

Allen struggled to contain his emotions and began to shed tears as Casey immediately put her arm around him and gave him a hug.

Casey then became emotional as she offered her support to much-loved player.

“It’s so good to see you and I know it’s so hard ... but listen, there is always a road back, and you have so many friends, there are so many people there for you, and I really want you to know that,” she said.

“Everyone is behind you, Mark, always. Thank you.”

Allen later spoke to BBC where he said he was not preparing to retire, but has been contemplating it for a while.

Meanwhile, Brown said the match against his close friend was the “hardest” he has ever had to deal with as he also became emotional.

“It just shows there are more important things in life than snooker, that was easily the hardest match I’ve ever had to deal with,” he told TNT Sports.

“I don’t even know what to say, I’m lost for words.

“I’ve missed him, I love him. Just a great guy, through and through.”

Allen, who as won 12 ranking titles across a glittering career, reached the top of the world rankings in May 2024.

But the world championships has so far eluded him with his best performance the semi-finals on three occasions, including this year. In that final-four showdown against Wu Yize he missed a match-ball black of its spot in the penultimate frame before losing 17-16.

He then took a six-month break from the sport before making his return this week.