MARK ALLEN has lodged an official complaint to the World Snooker Tour about being left off their promotional and branding activity.
The Pistol, 37, is ranked third in the world and won three tournaments last year, including the prestigious UK Championship in York.
Should he win the British Open this week in Cheltenham, he will leapfrog Ronnie O’Sullivan and Luca Brecel and become world No.1 for the first time.
Yet he feels he is “ignored” when it comes to social media tweets put out by the governing body that are aimed to promote ranking tournaments.
This month the WST encouraged fans to buy tickets for the British Open and English Open, which is in Essex, and mentioned some of the top names who would be present.
Yet the Northern Ireland potter, one of the most popular and entertaining players on the circuit, was overlooked.
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On a separate issue, he was surprised that reigning world champion Brecel was omitted from banners publicising the recent Shanghai Masters, the sport’s full return to China after the Covid crisis.
Allen, who plays Kyren Wilson today (Wednesday), said: “I have made an official complaint to World Snooker.
“I just think it’s not the first time. Some of the decisions they have made over the years are not right.
“It’s not just me that I’m talking about. There are other incidents.
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“Obviously, the complaint I have made it about me and my situation and some of the scenarios that have arose in the last few years.
“I’ll keep that in-house because I want to try and keep it official.
“I believe I’m one that has always been open and honest with you guys in the media.
“I’m always forthcoming with World Snooker, always doing my media duties, always going above and beyond to do little clips for them and for the TV crews.
“I just don’t think I get what I deserve back. I don’t think that’s much to ask.
“I was No.1 from last season, three titles, the UK Championship winner. I feel I deserve a bit more credit than what I’m currently getting.”
Asked in a jovial way if the bosses would dare think about leaving him off the posters for next month’s Northern Ireland Open, the Belfast lad said: “I’m not being funny but that wouldn’t even surprise me.
“Let’s be honest about it. If you can’t get the world champion on the poster in Shanghai, then I might not get on the poster for Belfast!”
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In response, the World Snooker Tour said: “We always encourage players to engage directly with us on issues they might have to seek a satisfactory resolution.
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment on these private conversations.”
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