MARK Allen has been confirmed as the new world number one on the end-of-season ranking list released by World Snooker in the wake of the Cazoo World Championship.
The Antrim man lost 13-12 to John Higgins in the second round at the Crucible but his consistency over the past two seasons has been rewarded with the top spot for the 2024-25 season.
World champion Kyren Wilson has risen to number three on the list from number 12, with Judd Trump sandwiched between him and Allen.
Last year’s World champion Luca Brecel stays at four but will need a good season next year to keep his place in the top 16 after a disappointing 2023-24.
Seven-times World champion Ronnie O’Sullivan falls from number one to number five, while the biggest mover into the top 16 is World Championship runner-up Jak Jones, who climbs from 44 to 14.
Of the other Irish players, Jordan Brown will start next season at 44, down from 39, while Aaron Hill is up two places from 62 to 60 and Ken Doherty is down one to 79.
Fergal O’Brien has retired from the Main Tour but European Men’s Amateur champion Robbie McGuigan will restore the Irish quota to five for the next season when he joins on a two-year card.
