Mark Allen withdraws from World Mixed Doubles due to ‘personal reasons’, Mark Selby named as replacement

Former UK Champion Mark Allen has withdrawn from snooker’s World Mixed Doubles tournament for “personal reasons.”

The Northern Irishman was due to partner Rebecca Kenna at the event in Manchester this weekend.

However, he has decided not to take part, just weeks before snooker heads to Sheffield for the World Championships.

The Pistol will be replaced by four-time Crucible winner Mark Selby, who also played with Kenna in 2022.

They reached the final two years ago, only to lose to Australian Neil Robertson and Mink Nutcharut of Thailand.

That duo will be reunited to defend their title, with the rest of the draw made up of the pairing of Judd Trump and Baipat Siripaporn, alongside Luca Brecel and Reanne Evans.

Allen, 38, has won two ranking event titles this season, the Shoot Out and the Players’ Championship.

He will still take part in the Tour Championship, also in Manchester, next week, where he has been drawn against John Higgins in the first round.

That will be his final tournament before heading to Sheffield for snooker’s blue-riband event, one in which he has been a two-time semi-finalist.

But his absence does not detract from the anticipation of the World Mixed Doubles for Kenna, who is ranked No. 3 in the women’s game.

“It was right at the start of my journey on tour, so it was a bit overwhelming last time, I’m just looking forward to it this time.

“It was such a great event last time and everyone seemed to like it and it’s one of the last big events [on tour] for me.”