2026 World Snooker Championship: Mark Allen recovers to beat Zhang Anda at Crucible

“I was so angry yesterday, I was doing everything really well on the training table, I was in the gym and I was eating well,” Allen said after his win.

“After the game yesterday I went out, had a few drinks and a burger.

“I thought, ‘I can’t play any worse than yesterday.’ I was so depressed I didn’t want to talk to anyone.

“So I went out, placed a few bets and watched a football game with my friends. I ate a little badly, slept very well and played much better.”

Allen, who will play 2024 champion Kyren Wilson or 19-year-old Stan Moody in the last 16, said: “Yesterday was absolutely embarrassing, very frustrating and completely gutted with my performance.

“I came in today with less expectations, but when you go out you realize how much you want it and the fire in your belly comes back.

“I can’t do any more sessions like yesterday. I got away with one. It’s not good enough at this level.

“The second session was good but I’ve been here 20 years and I’d like to think there have been better ones.

“I have to do this every time I play here. Ronnie [O’Sullivan], [John] Higgins and [Mark] Selby always produces this kind of session.”