Jack Lisowski showcased an impressive performance at the Northern Ireland Open, scoring three centuries to defeat Zhou Yuelong 6-1. This victory secured his position in the final, where he will face either Mark Allen or Judd Trump.
Lisowski’s Strong Performance
The match took place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, where Lisowski started strong. He won the first frame and continued his momentum with a remarkable clearance of 125 and a break of 124. By the time of the mid-session interval, he had established a 4-0 lead.
Although Yuelong managed to win one frame, Lisowski quickly responded with another century break of 125, solidifying his advantage. The English player wrapped up the match in the seventh frame, further demonstrating his skill and determination.
Path to the Final
Lisowski is currently ranked 29th in the world and aims to secure his first ranking event title. Throughout the tournament, he has defeated several prominent opponents, including:
- Mark Selby, a four-time world champion, in the last 32
- Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in the last 16
- Kyren Wilson at the quarter-finals
Quotes and Confidence
After his victory, Lisowski expressed his confidence. “It’s been a great week so far but now it’s all about the final,” he stated. “I feel like I can pot any shot; I’m more surprised when I miss.” He credited his hard work in practice for his successful performance in the tournament.
The Upcoming Final
Lisowski’s final match is set against either Mark Allen or Judd Trump. Trump aims for his fifth Northern Ireland Open title, while Allen is a two-time defending champion, having won in 2021 and 2022.
The final will be played in a best-of-19 format. The winner will be awarded a prize of £100,000 along with the prestigious Alex Higgins Trophy. This match represents a significant opportunity for Lisowski, who has faced setbacks in previous finals, losing six times in total and not reaching a ranking event decider since March 2021.
