Allen's girlfriend is reigning world champion Reanne Evans and he admits he was just relieved to have qualified for the Crucible.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Snooker | Swail edges through to Crucible

Allen became a father for the first time in May when partner Reanne Evans, the ladies world champion, gave birth to daughter Lauren.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Snooker | Allen secures place at Waterfront

"I was under pressure because Reanne's played at the Crucible twice in the ladies' event, so I would not have heard the end of it if I had lost, " said the former world amateur champion.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Snooker | Swail edges through to Crucible