Mark Allen to be crowned professional snooker's new world number one ranked player

Credit: Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesCredit: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Credit: Alex Pantling/Getty Images | Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Allen is the first player from Northern Ireland to earn the coveted accolade

Mark Allen will be crowned world number one for the first time in his career next week following the conclusion of the ongoing 2024 World Snooker Championship.

The 38-year-old went into this year's blue riband event at the top of the provisional end-of-season rankings, but after his heartbreaking last 16 exit to John Higgins in a black ball deciding frame, he needed results to go his way in order to maintain that position.

However, due to the surprise quarter-final eliminations of both Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan on Wednesday, Allen can no longer be overtaken and will begin the 2024/25 campaign at the top of the professional rankings.

Following a plethora of big junior and amateur title wins, Allen turned professional in 2005 and has remained on snooker's top tier ever since. He reached the elite top 16 only four years later, but the last 18 months have represented the most consistent and successful spell of his career.

During that period, Allen has claimed five ranking titles, including a triumphant defence of the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall and a maiden UK Championship - his second Triple Crown event win.

Allen becomes just the 12th player in professional snooker history to earn the world number one accolade and the first from Northern Ireland.

The 11-time ranking event champion is the latest addition to the esteemed list since Ding Junhui in 2014.

Ray Reardon, Cliff Thorburn, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, Mark Williams, O'Sullivan, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Trump and Ding are snooker’s previous world number ones. Seven different nations are now represented on the list.

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