has taken two extreme measures in his bid to finally become a Triple Crown champion at the Crucible this year. The 39-year-old won the 2018 Masters and the 2022 , but despite two semi-final appearances, is yet to secure the he craves.

His latest bid is also hanging by a thread. The Northern Irishman will head into tomorrow's afternoon session , having been out of sorts on Thursday afternoon. He shouldn't have any fitness problems if the game goes the distance, though, following his vigorous pre-tournament regime.

He's opened up about getting in shape, citing freezing his body and an intense fitness programme. That's despite 'The Pistol' admitting he doesn't enjoy his new lifestyle.

"I've been doing ice baths every day in the garden," he told . "It's not very fun, but I'm doing it. I've been doing a sauna for 20-30 minutes and an ice bath for five to ten minutes, and that's part of the weight loss thing."

The world No.8 appears satisfied with the results, adding: "I've lost a stone in the last month and I'm feeling better about myself, which will hopefully lend itself to playing some good snooker as well."

Allen, 39, has in the 2024/25 campaign, the Riyadh Season Championship. However, he cited Kyren Wilson's Crucible win last year as the reason he can still contend for the title in Sheffield.

"I haven't had a good season at all," he admitted. "You saw with Kyren last year, he had a worse season than I've had and walked away with the world title and that's what it's all about.

"It's just about finding a way to win. I'll have to play some good snooker over the 17 days, but I won't have to play brilliantly. I'll just have to do things at the right time."