The World No.4 was named Sportsperson of the Year at the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council Sports Awards on Wednesday evening.
The Antrim man was able to pick up his award in person at the Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey having made the most of a mid-session break in his Champion of Champions efforts.
With Ali Carter safely despatched in the Quarter-Final on Monday, the group format in Bolton meant that he was able to pop back to Northern Ireland for some home comforts, practice and, of course, to pick up his award.
“I am very privileged to play snooker for a living and I would encourage those coming through the ranks to enjoy what they do,” he said at the Awards.
“I am incredibly proud to be an Antrim man and appreciate all the support the Council provides across all sports.
“It is great to be able to attend these Sports Awards. I am very honoured.
“As everyone knows, I am a proud Antrim man and Northern Ireland man. And it is great to be named Sportsperson of the Year 2023, especially in front of my home support.”
Mark Allen will lock horns with John Higgins in the Semi-Finals of the Champion of Champions
Whether there is more silverware to come will depend firstly on his clash with a familiar foe.
He and Higgins have clashed many times over the years, arguably most famously in the Final of the Northern Ireland Open in 2021 when home favourite Allen just pipped the Scotsman in a 9-8 thriller at the Waterfront Hall.
Former World Champion Higgins was in imperious form, though, in booking his shot at The Pistol, rattling in breaks of 96, 83, 80, 93, 86 and 82 to complete a 6-1 win over Ding Junhui.
“I can’t play any better than that, really,” he said afterwards.
“I’ve done six 80-odd breaks, it was good. I really enjoyed playing out there.”
Meanwhile, Allen will face Ben Woollaston in the quickfire BetVictor Shoot Out at Swansea Arena next month.
Fellow Antrim potter Jordan Brown has been paired with Gary Wilson.
