LLANDUDNO — In a dramatic and high-quality semi-final that lived up to its billing, Jack Lisowski produced a stunning late-night performance to dethrone the ‘Wizard of Wishaw’, beating four-time world champion John Higgins 6-5 to reach the final of the 2024 Welsh Open.
The victory, sealed in a tense final-frame decider, sets up a Sunday showdown with Barry Hawkins, who earlier overcame Gary Wilson 6-3. For Lisowski, it marks a significant breakthrough, reaching his first ranking final since the 2022 Turkish Masters and banishing the demons of several near-misses against the sport’s very best.
The match was a classic encounter of styles: Higgins, the 48-year-old tactical master, versus Lisowski, the 32-year-old flamboyant shot-maker. From the outset, it was clear neither player would give an inch. Higgins took a tight opening frame, but Lisowski responded immediately, showcasing his trademark heavy scoring with breaks of 78 and 134 to lead 2-1.
A Battle of Nerves and Brilliance
The middle session of the match was a masterclass in tactical snooker and resilience. Higgins, drawing on his vast experience, reeled off three frames in a row with top runs of 81 and 70 to surge into a 4-2 lead. The momentum had decisively swung, and the pressure was squarely on Lisowski’s shoulders. “At 4-2 down against John, you’re staring down the barrel,” Lisowski would later admit.
Unfazed, ‘Jackpot’ Lisowski dug deep. He stopped the rot by taking a scrappy seventh frame, and then found another gear. A magnificent century break of 107 drew him level at 4-4, reigniting the contest and the vocal support in the Venue Cymru arena. Higgins, as champions do, responded with a superb 128 clearance to move one frame from victory at 5-4.
Facing elimination, Lisowski produced his best snooker of the tournament. He compiled a flawless, frame-winning break of 84 to force a decider, stating afterwards, “I just thought, ‘go down swinging’. I tried to be really positive and it came off in the last two frames.”
The Decider: Composure Under Fire
The final frame was a nerve-shredding affair, a test of temperament as much as technique. Both players had chances, but it was Lisowski who held his nerve when it mattered most. After a period of tense safety play, he crafted a decisive break of 67, leaving Higgins requiring snookers. When Higgins’ final attempt at a comeback ended with a missed red, Lisowski punched the air in a mixture of relief and elation.
The significance of beating a player of Higgins’ calibre was not lost on the victor. “John is a proper legend, he’s like a god of snooker to me,” a thrilled Lisowski told BBC Sport. “To beat him in a big match like that, in a decider, it’s the best win of my career.”
For Higgins, it was a bitter pill to swallow after a week where he had shown glimpses of his vintage form. The Scot was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the quality of his opponent. “Jack was the better player in the end. He played some fantastic stuff and held himself together brilliantly,” said the four-time world champion.
Hawkins Awaits in the Final
In the other semi-final, Barry Hawkins continued his own impressive resurgence by defeating defending champion Gary Wilson 6-3. ‘The Hawk’ was clinical and composed, building his victory on a series of solid contributions rather than huge breaks. Key to his win was stealing frames at crucial moments, which steadily drained Wilson’s resolve.
Hawkins, the 2023 Players Championship winner, will be competing in his ninth ranking final. His experience and granite-like temperament make him a formidable opponent for any player on the big stage. He identified his mindset as crucial: “I felt calm out there. I’ve been in these situations before and I think that showed. I just tried to stay focused on my own game.”
The final presents a fascinating contrast. Hawkins’ route to the final has been built on consistency and match-play prowess, while Lisowski’s path has been electrified by explosive scoring and dramatic finishes. Their head-to-head record adds another layer of intrigue, with Hawkins holding a slight advantage in previous meetings.
What the Final Hinges On
The outcome of Sunday’s final will likely be determined by a few key factors:
- Lisowski’s Tempo: Can he maintain his free-flowing, attacking game under the unique pressure of a final?
- Hawkins’ Safety: Will he be able to disrupt Lisowski’s rhythm with tight tactical play?
- Big-Moment Mentality: Hawkins’ vast final experience versus Lisowski’s newfound belief from beating Higgins.
A Pivotal Moment for 'Jackpot'
For Jack Lisowski, this final represents more than just a chance to win the Ray Reardon Trophy and the £80,000 top prize. It is an opportunity to shed the tag of the ‘best player never to win a ranking title’—a moniker that has followed him throughout his career despite reaching six previous finals. The victory over Higgins feels like a watershed moment, proving he can conquer the biggest names when the stakes are highest.
He acknowledged the personal significance, saying, “I’ve lost a lot of semi-finals and a lot of finals. To get over the line in a semi like that gives me so much belief. I’ve just beaten one of the greatest, so why can’t I go and win it tomorrow?”
Barry Hawkins, however, will be a favourite in his own right. A model of consistency on the circuit, he possesses the all-round game and the tactical acumen to exploit any lapse in concentration. He will be determined to add a fifth ranking title to his collection and continue his own impressive form in the latter stages of tournaments.
Conclusion: A Classic in the Making
The 2024 Welsh Open final promises to be a captivating conclusion to a week of thrilling snooker in Llandudno. In one corner stands Barry Hawkins, the seasoned and steady competitor seeking another major crown. In the other stands Jack Lisowski, the mercurial talent on the cusp of a career-defining breakthrough, riding a wave of momentum and emotion.
Whether it is Hawkins’ experience that prevails or Lisowski’s blistering talent that finally fulfills its promise, snooker fans are guaranteed a final of high quality and compelling narrative. After his epic win over a snooker ‘god’, Jack Lisowski will step into the arena on Sunday believing that his time, at long last, has come.
