Mark Allen hits out at snooker official following World Championship win

Antrim's Mark Allen

Keith Bailie

Antrim’s Mark Allen has hit out an at unnamed World Snooker Tour official following his 10-6 win over Robbie Williams in the first round of the World Championship.

Allen voiced his discontent with the treatment he and other top players receive from both the WST and broadcasters. Despite his status as the world number three, Allen feels overlooked.

"I’ve been down this road before, things are slightly better, but it could be better still. If the face doesn’t fit, then maybe something else needs to change," Allen told SportsBoom.com.

“I'm not going to name names, but I had a chat with someone in and around the WST and that media circle and they said that Luca [Brecel] wasn't a big enough name to give coverage to and he's the world champion. So, if that's the person we’re dealing with, we're all in trouble.”

Allen’s match with Williams on Wednesday was relegated to the iPlayer by the host broadcasters, with Ronnie O’Sullivan’s match broadcast live on BBC2.

Allen said: "I'd rather play on TV. That's what we play for. That's why we try and win and get up the rankings for, but it doesn't seem to account for much.”

The Northern Irishman awaits the winner of the match between John Higgins and Jamie Jones in the second round, with Higgins 5-4 ahead.