Mark Allen couldn't hide his disappointment with his performance despite a 6-4 victory over Jackson Page in the UK Championship's first round.

Despite sealing the win with an impressive clearance from the green, Allen only managed a highest break of 56 in what he described as a low-quality match in York.

Speaking to the BBC, the world number three expressed his frustration: "It’s actually quite depressing to be honest, the way I’m playing at the minute. It’s not much fun.

"I’m trying so hard and I just can’t play. I’ve always backed myself under pressure but there’s something technical that’s not right because I’m missing so many easy balls.

"It’s hard to take any positives out of that, other than the fact that I got six frames."

He continued to share his struggles, saying: "I’ve been trying so hard the last few months and it’s really getting me down because things are really good at the minute in my life and snooker’s just awful. Absolutely awful."

Reflecting on his confidence levels, Allen remarked: "It is all confidence. I know that two or three months ago I was the number one player in the world but you’re only as good as your last result and I just feel like I’m not playing well enough right now."

In other news, Ali Carter progressed to the last 16 after defeating Ryan Day, showcasing form with breaks of 75 and 99 to claim a 6-4 triumph.

Defending UK Championship champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was knocked out of the tournament on the opening day at the York Barbican on Saturday.