BELFAST, Northern Ireland — In a moment of raw, unadulterated emotion that was 15 years in the making, Jack Lisowski finally shed the unwanted title of the ‘best player never to win a ranking title’, defeating China’s Zhang Anda 9-7 in a gripping Northern Ireland Open final. The victory, secured in front of a captivated Belfast crowd, triggered an outpouring of feeling from the popular Englishman, who confessed to being an "emotional wreck" after his long-awaited breakthrough.
A Journey Defined by Near-Misses
For years, the narrative surrounding Jack Lisowski was one of unfulfilled potential. A player blessed with a breathtakingly fluid and attacking style, his career was a highlight reel of brilliant shot-making that was, until now, tragically devoid of the ultimate prize. Since turning professional in 2010, Lisowski had reached six previous ranking finals, only to fall at the final hurdle on each agonizing occasion. The near-misses became a heavy burden, a psychological barrier that seemed to grow with every passing tournament.
The 32-year-old’s previous final appearances read like a chronicle of sporting heartbreak:
- The 2018 Riga Masters, where he lost 5-2 to Neil Robertson.
- The 2019 Scottish Open, defeated 9-6 by Mark Selby.
- The 2022 Turkish Masters, a 10-4 loss to Judd Trump.
The Belfast Breakthrough
This week at the Waterfront Hall, however, a different Lisowski emerged. There was a palpable sense of resilience and determination underpinning his trademark flamboyance. He navigated a tough draw, which included a commanding 5-1 victory over the seven-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the last 16. That win, in particular, seemed to inject him with a newfound belief. In the final against the in-form Zhang Anda, who had himself won last month’s English Open, Lisowski showcased his full repertoire.
Building a 4-1 lead in the first session, he then found himself pegged back to 4-4. The pattern repeated in the evening; from 7-4 ahead, Zhang fought valiantly to level at 7-7. In previous finals, this is where the Lisowski of old might have faltered. But this time, he dug deep, composing breaks of 80 and 74 in the final two frames to seal a historic 9-7 victory. As the final ball dropped, he looked to the ceiling, a mixture of relief, joy, and disbelief washing over him.
The Weight Lifted in an Instant
The immediate aftermath was a powerful testament to the pressure he had been under. In his post-match interview, a visibly overwhelmed Lisowski struggled to find the words. "I'm an emotional wreck," he admitted, his voice cracking with emotion. "I can't believe it. I was gone, I was shaking like a leaf." He spoke candidly about the mental toll of his previous failures, revealing how close he had come to walking away from the sport entirely.
"I was so low, I didn't want to play anymore," he confessed, highlighting the depth of his despair. "I've had so many disappointments, I didn't think I was going to do it. I was gone at 7-7, I was shaking." His honesty provided a rare glimpse into the psychological battles that elite athletes often face behind the scenes, making his triumph all the more poignant.
A Victory for Perseverance
The snooker world erupted in celebration for one of its most popular figures. Tributes poured in from fellow professionals, all of whom recognized the magnitude of his achievement. The victory was not just about the £80,000 winner's cheque or the ranking points; it was a validation of his talent and a reward for his unwavering perseverance in the face of repeated disappointment. It was a win for every athlete who has ever dared to continue after a soul-crushing defeat.
The significance of this win extends beyond the silverware. It fundamentally changes the trajectory of Lisowski’s career and his self-perception. He is no longer the nearly-man. He is now, officially, a ranking event winner. This mental unshackling could be the catalyst for even greater success, freeing him to play with the uninhibited flair that has always defined his game, but now with the confidence of a proven champion.
What This Means for the Future
With the monkey finally off his back, the question now turns to what Jack Lisowski can achieve next. The immediate goals are clear:
- A rise from his current world ranking of 38th.
- Qualification for the prestigious Masters tournament.
- A sustained challenge in the remaining events of the season.
His victory in Belfast serves as a powerful reminder that success in sport is not always linear. It is often a messy, difficult journey punctuated by setbacks. Lisowski’s 15-year wait, filled with public heartache and private doubt, makes his eventual triumph one of the most heartwarming stories of the snooker season. As he lifted the Alex Higgins Trophy, named after another flamboyant and beloved player, it felt like a fitting full-circle moment.
In the end, Jack Lisowski’s story is no longer about potential; it is about fulfillment. It’s a testament to the power of sticking with it, even when every sign points to giving up. As he himself put it in a moment of pure, exhausted elation, "I'm just so proud of myself that I've done it." For a player who has given snooker fans so much joy with his style of play, this long-overdue victory was a moment of shared joy that was worth the wait.
