23 January 2023 , 12:54
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Mark Allen insists he "couldn't care less" about Stephen Hendry 's criticism after claiming a third ranking title of the season in dramatic fashion.
The Northern Irishman defeated last week's Masters champion Judd Trump 10-9 in a thrilling climax to the World Grand Prix final in Cheltenham.
Allen fell over the line in a nerve-shredding final frame decider to pocket the £100,000 prize after Trump rallied with a stunning fightback to level at 8-8 from 7-2 behind. And he has now reached a career-high ranking of No.3 as he added to his UK Championship and Northern Ireland Open silverware with another memorable victory.
Antrim ace Allen is known for his fluency around the table but his battling win at The Centaur was underpinned by shrewd, risk-averse snooker.
The 36-year-old adopted a cautious approach after admitting throughout the week that he was struggling to find his free-flowing best form.
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Hendry had been among those bemoaning Allen's speed and the seven-time world champion suggested in the first session of the final that he would not be able to prevail in a long match against in-form Trump with a conservative game plan.
But Allen has found the winning formula regardless of whether he is playing at his supreme best - and still claimed the £10,000 high break prize with a stunning 141 in the final.
Allen was criticised for his conservative approach at times in Cheltenham (Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesGetty Images)Responding to Hendry, who at times described the final as a 'tough watch', Allen tweeted: "I promise I’m gonna make a conscious effort to play faster and go for my shots in my next event. Thanks to @SHendry775 for the words of wisdom."
He continued: "For anyone that didn't get it, I couldn't care less what @SHendry775 or anyone else says about my speed and style of play. My next event is the shootout so I HAVE to play fast."
Allen heads to the frantic Snooker Shootout in Leicester this week as the clear player of the season and he took his earnings to £540,000 in this campaign alone with his World Grand Prix victory.