Hearn discusses game’s future with Allen

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn believes he has won over Mark Allen after a “frank and friendly” discussion with the UK Championship runner-up who called for him to quit last month.

Allen has been unhappy to see the format of tournaments changed since Hearn took charge of the professional game two years ago.

Northern Irishman Allen claimed last month that Hearn was in snooker simply “to make money for himself” and had no interest in player welfare.

Hearn said at the time he would take legal advice but has dropped any thoughts of suing Allen.

Discussing the talks he held with Allen, Hearn said: “We had a good meeting and the chat we had was good at opening his mind as to where he wants to be.

“Does he want to be a superstar in an ever-expanding global sport, or does he want to go back to billiard halls and snooker parlours and eke out a living?”

Hearn added: “I explained my strategy and I think he’s a little wiser now.”