In the often solitary world of professional snooker, the bond between a player and his coach can mean the difference between mediocrity and brilliance. For Mark Allen, a man whose career has been a mix of explosive talent and turbulent form, his connection with renowned coach Chris Henry has been instrumental in refining both his game and his mindset. Speaking candidly, Henry revealed that one of the crucial elements of their work together came down to something deceptively simple how Allen was seeing the table.
“He was having some visual problems,” Henry explained, shedding light on an aspect of the game that rarely makes headlines but is fundamental to consistency. “It wasn’t about cueing or technique at first, but about how his eyes were relating to the shot. If your sighting is even slightly off, the whole game feels like hard work.”
For Allen, known for his fiery temperament and attacking flair, such adjustments have often made the difference between early exits and deep runs. The English Open, where he recently battled his way to the final, was another reminder of his resilience — and the behind-the-scenes guidance that helps him stay sharp. Henry emphasized that solving visual alignment issues not only restored Allen’s confidence but also allowed his natural attacking instincts to flourish without hesitation.
“It’s all about trust,” Henry continued. “Mark knows he can rely on his vision now, and that frees him to play his natural game. When the eyes and the brain are working together, the cue follows naturally. That’s when he’s at his most dangerous.”
The relationship between player and coach in snooker is less visible than in other sports, but no less impactful. Henry, who has worked with multiple world champions, insists that every player is different, and part of his role is to adapt. With Allen, it has been about balancing technical fine-tuning with mental resilience. “He’s a passionate player,” Henry said. “That passion can drive him, but it can also distract him. A big part of our work has been about creating calmness so that when he’s under pressure, he makes decisions from clarity, not emotion.”
Allen’s run to the English Open final is proof of progress. Though he fell short of the title, his consistency throughout the tournament suggested a player not just in form but also in control. For Henry, those signs are just as rewarding as any trophy. “The ultimate goal is always winning,” he admitted, “but for me, it’s also about helping the player find joy and ease in their game again. When Mark smiles at the table, when he trusts his game — that’s when I know the work is paying off.”
As Allen looks ahead to the rest of the season, his partnership with Henry remains a crucial part of his journey. With his visual problems behind him and his confidence renewed, the Northern Irishman stands as a reminder that in snooker, the smallest details even something as subtle as how you see a shot can open the path to the biggest stages.
