Allen issues Cao apology

MARK Allen has apologised for his outburst against Cao Yupeng and Chinese players as a whole.

The 26-year-old Northern Irishman was fiercely critical of Cao, claiming the 21-year-old should have called a foul on himself during their first-round match at the World Championship on Sunday. And Allen, who lost 10-6 to the Crucible debutant, also said that “blatant cheating” might be “a bit of a trait for the Chinese players”.

Last night he issued a statement which said: “Following my recent comments in the press conference after my first-round defeat to Cao Yupeng, I would like to formally apologise to anyone who may have been offended.

“Having taken some time to reflect on my comments I can appreciate that I overstepped the line at a time when I was heavily influenced by the emotions of a disappointing defeat.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to Cao Yupeng if he felt that my comments were insinuating he were a cheat.”