World Snooker Championship 2026: Mark Allen Fires Back At Stephen Hendry After Crucible Critique

Two-time Triple Crown winner Mark Allen produced a statement victory at the 2026 World Snooker Championship, knocking out reigning world champion Kyren Wilson 13-9 to secure his place in the quarter-finals.

Yet despite the result, the manner of his performance sparked debate, particularly from seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.

Hendry Questions Allen’s Shot Selection

During the opening session on Thursday, with Allen leading 5-1, Hendry openly criticised his decision-making in the BBC commentary box.

“Surely, he must pot the pink in the left middle. I just don't understand it, he's 5-1 ahead. If this is the way top level snooker is played now, I don't understand it, I'm afraid. You have to play the pink, it's the right shot,” Hendry said in the commentary box live on the BBC.

“I'm trying to think of another player that would refuse that pink in this Championship and I'm struggling.”

“I don't think personally you can win the World Championship playing this way, that's my opinion.”

Allen Hits Back: “He’s Full of Rubbish”

Allen was quick to respond post-match, brushing off Hendry’s critique with a mix of humour and defiance.

“That’s not like him,” Allen joked, emphasising it’s a common feature of Hendry’s punditry style.

Did he feel like at that point during the match, he was refusing certain pots as Hendry was suggesting? Allen thinks he’s “full of rubbish.”

“Absolutely not. Look, Stephen’s entitled to his opinion, but more often than not, he’s full of rubbish, to be honest.”

“He’s No Idea What I’m Thinking Out There”

Allen acknowledged Hendry’s greatness but suggested the modern game, and its pressures, are different.

“Not everyone can come here and make it look as easy as he did, but you’re also looking at someone that never won a Triple Crown event after they turned 30, so the game changes and maybe that stubbornness is what cost him his later part of his career.”

“There’s no question how good he was. He was my idol growing up. He’s one of the best that’s ever played the game, but we can’t all be to that standard.”

“But it’s very easy for him to sit in the commentary box and criticise. He’s no idea what I’m thinking when I’m out there and I’ll never, ever apologise for trying my hardest on any given shot.”

Trump’s “Naive” Theory Sparks Wider Debate

Allen’s approach also comes amid a wider discussion about how the modern game is evolving. 

World number one Judd Trump recently suggested a shift in mentality at the Crucible, pointing to the aggressive styles of recent champions.

“The Crucible used to be, you need the experience to go out there, and now maybe you need to be a little bit more naive and go for your shots,” Trump told SportsBoom.co.uk.

Allen Disagrees: “It Takes All Sorts”

However, Allen rejected the idea that there is a single blueprint for success at the World Championship.

“Not really. I think it takes all sorts to win this tournament. We’ve been blessed in the last few years,” Allen told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“We’ve had Xintong, Luca and Kieran who played some of the most aggressive snooker you’ll see to win the championships.”

He contrasted that with the success of four-time world champion Mark Selby, whose tactical approach has been just as effective.

“But you can only play like that if you’re playing well and full of confidence. But that doesn’t mean that they’ve played better or deserve any more than the likes of Selby, who’s maybe not been as good to watch, but is equally as effective.”

“Selby’s a four-time winner. The three you’ve just mentioned have won it once, so I know whose career I’d rather have.”

“100%,” he concluded, when asked if the someone playing the ‘Selby style of play’ as he’s mentioned could still go onto lift the world title, and he was adamant, they still could despite Trump’s comments.