Mark Allen has apologised for his controversial claim that Cao Yupeng and his fellow Chinese players were cheats.

The 26-year-old Northern Irishman was fiercely critical of Cao, having claimed the 21-year-old should have called a foul on himself during their first-round match at the World Championships on Sunday when he appeared to strike the cue ball twice while taking a shot.

Allen, who eventually lost 10-6, used his post-match press conference to air his view that "blatant cheating" might be "a bit of a trait for the Chinese players".

Allen's comments about Chinese players have gone down badly in the nation where snooker is a boom sport, hosting many major tournaments, and where he has already caused offence this season.

World Snooker chairman Hearn said players found guilty of such offences could face any punishment up to a ban.

In a bid to lessen the damage to his career, Allen issued a statement on Tuesday through his management, which said: "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.

"Having taken some time to reflect on my comments I can appreciate that I overstepped 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 were a cheat."