Champion of Champions: holder Allen to miss tournament for personal reasons
Mark Allen has withdrawn from the upcoming Cazoo Champion of Champions tournament - for personal reasons.
The Antrim star won the title last year - and was expected to defend it with the competition getting under way in Bolton on Monday, November 15th.
In a tweet, the Pistol said: "Sorry to Matchroom and anyone who was for coming to watch me. Hopefully be back next year. One of my favourite events of the year. Hope the event is a massive success. Good luck to all involved."
It has been a successful end-of-year period for Allen - after he won the Northern Ireland Open for the first time.
He has also qualified for the German Masters but exited the qualifying stage of the European Masters tournament last week.