Dennis Taylor has voiced strong support for Mark Allen, stating that he believes Allen has the capability to win the World Championship. Taylor, a former champion himself, emphasized, “He can definitely do it. I think he doesn’t like it when I say he’s going to win it.” This endorsement comes as Allen prepares for the 2026 World Championship, which is set to take place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from April 18 to May 4.
Despite never having won the World Championship, Allen has made significant strides in his career, reaching the semi-finals in both 2009 and 2023. He has also achieved a notable 147 break at the Crucible and has secured 12 ranking titles throughout his career.
The Crucible Theatre has been the home of the World Championship since 1977, and it is currently undergoing a £45 million refurbishment, which will add up to 500 seats to its existing capacity of 980. This renovation is supported by £10 million in government funding and £25 million from local government sources, ensuring that the venue remains a central hub for snooker.
Zhao Xintong, the current World Champion, expressed his excitement about the Crucible, stating, “I am so happy because I love the Crucible, it is a very special place and all Chinese players want to play there.” This sentiment reflects the growing popularity of snooker, particularly in China, where there are reportedly around 60 million active players.
As the 2026 World Championship approaches, observers are keen to see if Allen can capitalize on Taylor’s confidence and finally claim the title that has eluded him. The current deal to host the World Championship in Sheffield extends until 2045, ensuring that the Crucible will continue to be a key venue for the sport in the years to come.
In light of the ongoing developments, Taylor also commented on the disparity in prize money between snooker and other sports, saying, “I think it is ridiculous that the Darts World Championship is double the prize compared to the Crucible.” This highlights the challenges faced by snooker in attracting sponsorship and funding compared to other sports.
As the tournament date nears, the snooker community remains abuzz with anticipation, and details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup of competitors and the impact of the Crucible’s refurbishment on the event.
