Lean, mean potting machine

SLIMLINE MARK SHAPES UP FOR SHEFFIELD

- 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 in weight in recent months and now wants to find the secret to Sheffield success.

Allen's weight loss has coincided with a remarkable run of form, though it hasn't yet come to fruition at the Crucible.

In 17 previous visits to the home of snooker, he has made it to the last eight or further on only five occasions.

But having battled his way to victory at February's Players Championship, the Northern Irishman is keen to boost his Crucible CV when the World Championship starts on Saturday.