Mark Allen believes there is a correlation between the shock results at the UK Championship and quality of the tables at the Barbican.

Despite winning his opening round match against Basem Eltaham 6-2, the Northern Irishman was unhappy with the table conditions and says they should be better at “the second biggest tournament in the world”.

“It is no coincidence that there are some shock results in this tournament every year”, said the world number seven.

“They [the tables] always play heavy, they always play bouncy and it is a shame because the Barbican is an awesome arena – especially when you get down to that one-table setup.

“I don’t really know what they can do here – maybe the venue is not equipped for snooker – maybe the humidity levels are high but I am only guessing at this, I don’t know the ins and outs.

“I am used to playing in good conditions and that was just anything but.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am sure the table fitters are out there doing their best but it is quite clearly not right – there are just some shots you can’t play out there because of it.

“It is the second biggest tournament in the world and it should be better than that.”

Watch the Snooker UK Championship LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds