Allen hopes the weight is over for world glory

SLIMMED DOWN MARK FANCIES HIS CHANCES

- Joshua Peck

MARK ALLEN is on his own lost-and-found mission.

The world No.3 has lost a whopping six and a half stone and now wants to find the secret to success in Sheffield, starting this weekend.

His weight loss coincided with a remarkable run of form, though it has not to yet come fruition at the Crucible.

In 17 visits Allen has made it to the last eight or further on five occasions only, though he did reach the semi-finals last year.

And having battled his way to victory at the Players Championship in February, the Northern Irishman is determined to turn his Crucible CV around in the World Championship starts on Saturday.

"My record there is a strange one because I like the venue," said Allen. "I like the atmosphere and the history.