Mark Allen has established himself in the world's top 16

The future of the Northern Ireland Trophy is in major doubt because of a lack of sponsorship, Antrim snooker player Mark Allen has told the BBC.

"The players have been told that it doesn't look as if it's going to happen this year but there is still time for sponsors to come forward," said Allen.

"The Northern Ireland Events Company financed the tournament but they went into administration last year.

"The organisers have been struggling ever since to get someone interested."

"I believe the organisers had to pay for the tournament themselves last year and that is not feasible every year.

"It's just about money unfortunately but you never know - there are still a few months to go and someone might come in with some money.

"It would be very disappointing for me personally as I would not have the chance to play in front of my home crowd.

"My first professional tournament in 2005 was the Northern Ireland Trophy when I was thrown in at the deep end and played the top players straight away.

"To have the event come to an end four years down the line would be disappointing.

"It is also the only chance local people get to see the best players in the world."

A spokesman for World Snooker said it is the policy of World Snooker not to comment until it releases its calendar of events, probably in June or early July.

Allen added that he would be interested in trying to help promote the re-establishment of an Irish Professional Championship.

"The event has a good history behind it and hopefully we will get a bit of interest and sponsorship.

"It would be great for a tournament like that to be held in Northern Ireland."

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