Mark Allen has admitted he is ‘in a dark place’ and conceded his snooker career could be over in a heart-breaking interview.The Northern Irishman was visibly distressed after he suffered a 4-2 defeat to Jordan Brown in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open in his first competitive appearance in six months.Allen is one of the best players on the tour, but his comeback was short-livedGettyAllen hadn’t played since his World Snooker Championship semi-final defeat in April, having stayed away from the tour tour due to undisclosed ‘personal reasons’.However, after a demoralising defeat on his comeback, the 40-year-old revealed his days in the sport could be numbered.Allen’s heartbreaking admissionIn an emotional interview, Allen was consoled by TNT Sports presenter Rachel Casey as he opened up on a challenging period.He said: “I’m in a bad place at the minute, so even just to go out there and try was tough.View Tweet: https://t.co/9v6wvWMflE“I felt like if I was going to play one last time, playing here at the Waterfront, where it all started in 2005, against one of my best mates – I thought that was a better way to sign out.Interviewer Casey then asked: “Are you genuinely thinking of signing out?”“Yeah,” he nodded.“You are?” Casey followed up, with Allen again confirming this.Visibly moved by the snooker star’s heart-breaking admission, Casey asked if there was anything he could work on to prolong his career.Allen replied: “I’ve been flooded with support, but problems are within.Allen was consoled by interviewer Casey as he admitted his career could soon be overX: @tntsportsThe presenter hugged Allen as he looked on the verge of tearsX: @tntsports“I just don’t see a future of us sticking in it, if I’m honest.“It’s sad to say because it’s all I’ve loved to do since I was 12, but the last few months have been really difficult, and it sort of put snooker into perspective for me. But tonight, I’m just trying to survive.”With Allen appearing to hold back tears, Casey then ended the interview and offered her support to the player.Emotional herself, the presenter hugged Allen, while telling him: “It is so good to see you.“It is so good to see you and I know it’s so hard, so, so hard to see but listen there is always a road back and you have so many friends.“There are so many people there for you and I really want you to know that. Everyone is behind you, Mark, always.”Allen is the only player to have made maximum breaks in all three Triple Crown tournaments,GettyMark Allen’s careerSince turning professional in 2005, Allen has established himself as one of Britain’s leading snooker players.The Pistol is currently ranked No.12 in the world after his six-month hiatus, has won 12 ranking tournaments in his career, including the 2022 UK Championship and two Northern Ireland Open titles.He has reached the World Championship semi-finals three times, and won the 2018 Masters – his other Triple Crown title.