World Championship would complete triple crown — I want John Higgins in final (2025)

Mark Allen is determined to join an elite list of players to have won snooker's three most iconic events

Mark Allen is dreaming of snooker's Triple Crown – and wants to complete it against John Higgins.

The Northern Irishman won the Masters in 2018 and UK Championship four years later, but still needs a world title to join the elite group of just 11 snooker players who have completed a career grand-slam.

Ahead of his opening match at the Crucible against Fan Zhengyi, Allen - who has endured a tough season so far - is aiming high, after building his campaign around a bid for glory in Sheffield.

And speaking to Midnite Allen admits that he has his eye on a final with veteran Scot John Higgins, adding: "I think Judd (Trump) and Kyren (Wilson) have been the two standouts of the whole season.

“I think Higgins in recent months looks back to his best, although he's in the other half of the draw to me. I'd happily take a John Higgins final.

“Then obviously you've got the main protagonists like (Mark) Selby and (Ronnie) O'Sullivan, who can't be ruled out.

“There are a lot of players who will fancy their chances this year, so it's maybe good for me to come in a little under the radar."

Veteran ex pro and commentator John Parrott expects Allen to be a contender, especially after a season similar to 2024 champion Kyren Wilson where he came in without pressure.

Speaking on the BBC he said: "He's not had the most brilliant season, he's been a bit quiet, but that can go in your favour.

"He's been out of the limelight a little bit, but he can come here fresh and give it everything.

"If he plays like he can and he keeps the tempo up, because he's a player who performs better when he's quicker, then he's very much a man in with a chance of this championship."

Reigning Masters champion Shaun Murphy believes Allen could be a dark horse, telling the Onefourseven Snooker Podcast: "Mark Allen is a top, top player, multiple champion. And the World Championship is the only thing that Mark needs to add to his CV really to complete his career and his life as a snooker player.

"He’s achieved all the other things. He’s been world No.1, been Masters champion, been UK Champion. Lots of other ranking event wins.

"This is the event that I believe Mark has tried to build his life around in the last couple of seasons.

"We’ve seen a definite change in his style over the last season or two. I think it’s all about building a style that can last the 17 day test of the World Championship.

"I guess we’re going to see aren’t we. It’s been a good season by most people’s measures.

"When you’re trying to win, when you’re a winner, I can understand why you might not be that happy. But he’s got a chance here to win the biggest one of them all, and it’s the one he desperately wants."