In a stunning reversal of fortune that captivated the Belfast crowd, Jack Lisowski has finally shattered his ranking title curse with a magnificent 9-7 victory over world number two Judd Trump at the Northern Ireland Open.
The 32-year-old, previously known as snooker's 'nearly man' after suffering seven heartbreaking defeats in ranking finals, produced the performance of his career to claim the Alex Higgins Trophy and the £80,000 top prize at the Waterfront Hall.
A Battle of Gladiators
What made this victory particularly remarkable was Lisowski's opponent - the formidable Judd Trump, who was chasing his fourth Northern Ireland Open crown. Trump had dominated their previous encounters, winning 13 of their 15 professional meetings.
The final unfolded as a classic tactical battle, with both players demonstrating why they're considered among the most exciting talents in the sport. Trump, typically explosive, found himself matched by Lisowski's new-found resilience and tactical maturity.
The Turning Point
After trailing 3-1 early in the contest, Lisowski mounted a spectacular comeback, winning five consecutive frames to establish a commanding 6-3 lead. His break-building was nothing short of spectacular, featuring runs of 134, 80, 77, 73, 69, and 65 throughout the match.
Trump, ever the fighter, mounted a characteristic fightback, closing to within one frame at 7-6 and again at 8-7. But this time, there would be no collapse from Lisowski.
Emotional Final Frame
The decisive moment came in the 16th frame when Trump, needing to win to force a decider, missed a crucial red while leading 38-0. Lisowski stepped up to the table and composed a magnificent match-winning break of 72, sealing his long-awaited moment of glory.
As the final ball dropped, an emotional Lisowski raised his arms in triumph, the weight of seven previous final defeats finally lifted from his shoulders.
What This Means for Lisowski
This victory represents more than just a trophy and prize money for the Gloucester-born player. It marks his arrival as a genuine champion and propels him back into the world's top 16, securing his place among snooker's elite.
The win also serves as perfect timing, coming just weeks after Lisowski began working with renowned coach Gary Filtness, whose influence was evident in the player's composed performance under pressure.
For Trump, the defeat marks a rare setback in what has been an otherwise dominant season, while for Lisowski, it opens a new chapter in a career that has long promised this level of success.
