Snooker ace Mark Allen has hinted that he will not compete in the German Masters unless key changes are made. The Northern Irishman, who clinched the 2018 Masters title, is not a fan of Berlin's Tempodrom, despite its acclaim as one of the snooker season's premier venues.

He bemoaned his dislike for the event once more following a second-round defeat by Wu Yize, venting on social media platform X: "Not to be in this years German Masters. Well done to Wu. 

"Anyone who sees me back at this event under current conditions has permission to tell me off. Thanks in advance."

Allen's frustration also stems from the layout at earlier stages of the competition, where multiple tables are set up around the central television table.

Finding it distracting, he's been an outspoken critic and even vowed in 2018 not to return, asserting on social media: "So (my) hate/hate affair with the German Masters continues. Seriously hate the event. So distracting for all players who aren't on table one.

"Will not be back until set-up changes. Such a shame by the way about Germany as it has the potential to be amazing. Great venue and packed crowds every day. Set-up must change though."

Allen had cruised to a 5-0 victory over David Lilley in the first round of the competition, revealing after the match that he had skipped tournaments in favour of honing his skills for the World Championship in Sheffield this May.

He explained: "All eyes are on Sheffield for me now. It has been that way for a while. I'm starting doing longer matches when practising.

"Not taking anything away from the events leading up, but I'll be experimenting here and there to see if I can get something to work. I am trying something very different this year. I am trying to find something that I believe will work in Sheffield."

This article originally appeared on Daily Record