MARK Allen has publicly apologised to Cao Yupeng following his post-match comments after losing to the young Chinese star.

The Northern Ireland potter accused Yupeng of dishonesty during the World Championship first round match claiming he failed to admit making an illegal push shot at the start of the tenth frame.

He then went onto to accuse fellow Chinese players of cheating in the modern game in his post-match press conference. 

As reported yesterday (Monday) World Snooker announced Allen will face disciplinary proceedings over his comments but today the current world number eleven said he over-stepped the line and vowed to improve his behaviour off the table.

“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,” Allen said in a statement.

“Having taken some time to reflect on my comments I can appreciate that I over-stepped 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 was a cheat. I stand by my opinion that the shot in question was a foul, but I also stand by my previous comments in the press conference that Cao was the better player and fully deserved to win. I genuinely wish him the best of luck for the rest of the tournament.

“I would also like to apologise to World Snooker. I appreciate the hard work done by many people to grow our sport and I am truly horrified to think that my actions could be perceived to be detrimental to this.

“I realise that I need to ensure that my off table behaviour matches the standard and level of professionalism I set for my on table etiquette. I will return for the 2012-13 season with an improved approach to giving my opinions publicly.”