MARK ALLEN reckons he is stronger since he opened up about his depression.

The 25-year-old Northern Irishman has experienced a rollercoaster week at the UK Championship in York.

Left-hander Allen’s attack on supremo Barry Hearn’s changes to the game caused a storm. And his manager Paul Mount was admitted to hospital with a heart problem, and may now need an operation.

But Allen, seeking a first ranking title, has shown his fighting qualities on the table and is smiling ahead of today’s semi-final clash with Ricky Walden.

World No.14 Allen, who had counselling earlier this year, said: “Nothing that has happened this week has set me back, I’m a lot stronger since telling people my problems.

“The row with Barry hasn’t harmed me. I will always speak my mind.

“My manager is in hospital with a heart problem. It puts things in perspective and, if I could win the title, it would be for him too.”