Mark Allen targeting trophies - not tans - at the inaugural Turkish Masters

Northern Irish snooker star Mark Allen has insisted he has a job to do at the inaugural Turkish Masters.

The World Snooker Tour descends on popular holiday resort Antalya this week for the exciting brand new event.

But whilst some players have taken loved ones with them on an early summer break, Allen is more interested in trophies than tans in Turkey.

Magilton tips "outstanding" Kieran McKenna to shine at Ipswich Town

Only the top eight on the one-year prize money list qualify for next month’s coveted Tour Championship, and Allen is sixth with two events to go.

And Allen knows a good run this week would secure his spot at the prestigious tournament.

“Holidays can wait until the summer when the season’s finished,” stressed the world No 11.

“Qualifying for the Tour Championship is important and something I’m looking to do.

“It’s a great event and a brilliant tune up for the World Championship which is just around the corner now.

“It’s the only tournament other than the worlds where you play multi-session matches right from the start so it’s great preparation for the Crucible.

“It’s a big tournament and one you really want to be involved in.”

Antrim ace Allen kicks off his bid for the tasty £100,000 top prize against Welsh potter Jak Jones on Wednesday afternoon.

Jordan Brown is desperate to bounce back from his disappointing Welsh Open after his title defence was painfully ended in the first round last week.

He faces Ashley Hugill this morning and said: “I’ll be packing my suncream! I’m ginger, I’ll need it to walk out the hotel.”

Cork youngster Aaron Hill is in action on Wednesday against either Wu Yize or Haydon Pinhey, who has replaced world champion Mark Selby after he withdrew due to his ongoing mental health