BELFAST — Four-time champion Judd Trump produced a commanding performance to defeat home favourite Mark Allen 6-3 in a high-quality semi-final at the Northern Ireland Open, setting up a Sunday final against close friend and practice partner Jack Lisowski.
The clash at Belfast's Waterfront Hall was a repeat of the 2021 final and pitted two of the season's form players against one another. Trump, the world number three, arrived in Northern Ireland having already claimed the English Open title this season, while Allen, the world number four, was buoyed by a passionate local crowd. Despite the partisan support, Trump's break-building prowess ultimately proved the difference.
Trump, who has now won 14 consecutive matches in the Northern Ireland Open dating back to his 2020 triumph, was clinical throughout. He opened the match with a stunning break of 140, immediately silencing the arena. Allen responded gamely, but Trump's relentless scoring kept the pressure on. The Englishman compiled three further century breaks—134, 110, and 102—to secure his place in a second consecutive ranking final, a feat he last achieved during his dominant 2020 season.
A Battle of Heavyweights
The semi-final was widely anticipated as a potential classic, and it did not disappoint in terms of quality. Both players demonstrated why they are considered among the sport's elite break-builders. Allen, the 2021 champion, fought valiantly to stay in touch, but every time he closed the gap, Trump found an extra gear. After Trump established an early lead, Allen pegged him back to 2-2, only for Trump to win the next two frames, including his 134 break, to lead 4-2 at the mid-session interval.
Allen, known for his fighting spirit, emerged from the break with renewed focus. He took a tightly contested seventh frame to close to 4-3, raising the prospect of a grandstand finish. However, any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished by Trump, who coolly dispatched breaks of 110 and 102 in the next two frames to seal a comprehensive 6-3 victory. Reflecting on the match, Trump stated, "To make four centuries against someone of Mark's quality in a semi-final shows I'm playing well."
Trump's Belfast Dominance
Judd Trump's affinity for the Belfast venue is undeniable. His record in the tournament is formidable, and his ability to raise his game here has become a hallmark of the event. Since his first title in 2018, he has been the man to beat. His current 14-match winning streak at the Northern Ireland Open underscores a level of consistency and dominance that few players achieve at a single ranking event.
Key factors behind Trump's success in this tournament include:
- Aggressive Scoring: His willingness to go for shots and his high break-building rate.
- Mental Fortitude: An ability to perform under pressure, especially against local heroes.
- Past Success: The confidence gained from multiple previous victories.
- Adaptability: Quickly adjusting to the conditions of the Waterfront Hall table.
Trump acknowledged the challenge of playing Allen in front of his home crowd, saying, "It's always tough playing Mark here. The crowd were fantastic for him, and you have to block that out and focus on your own game. I knew I had to score heavily today, and I managed to do that from the start."
Lisowski's Long-Awaited Opportunity
In the other semi-final, Jack Lisowski secured his place in a first ranking final in over two years with a hard-fought 6-4 victory over China's Si Jiahui. For Lisowski, a player of immense talent who has long been tipped for major success, this run in Belfast represents a crucial return to form. Having slipped down the rankings, the world number 17 has battled through a difficult period, making his journey to the final all the more significant.
Lisowski's path to the final was a testament to his resilience. He held his nerve in a tense match against the rising Chinese star, who had impressed throughout the tournament. The victory was sealed with a classy break of 78, prompting an emotional celebration from the popular Englishman. "It means everything," Lisowski said. "I've been through some tough times, and to be back in a final, it's a massive relief and I'm just so happy."
A Final Between Friends
The upcoming final presents a fascinating dynamic, pitting two close friends and frequent practice partners against one another. Trump and Lisowski share a long-standing friendship, and their matches are often played in a positive, attacking spirit. However, with a trophy and a £80,000 top prize on the line, the competitive fire will undoubtedly be burning brightly for both.
Trump was quick to praise his final opponent, acknowledging Lisowski's talent and their personal history. "Jack is one of my best friends on tour," Trump said. "We practice a lot together, and I know how good he is. He's been through a tough patch, so I'm delighted for him to be in the final. It will be a great game, we both play attacking snooker, and hopefully it will be a good spectacle for the fans."
What to Expect in the Final
The final promises to be a fast-paced, free-flowing contest, with both players renowned for their aggressive, front-foot style of snooker. Trump will enter as the clear favourite, given his superior ranking, recent form, and incredible record in this specific tournament. He is seeking a record-extending fifth Northern Ireland Open title, which would further cement his legacy as the master of this event.
For Lisowski, this is more than just another final; it is an opportunity to shed the tag of being the "best player without a ranking title." He has lost all six of his previous ranking finals, a statistic he is desperate to change. The key for Lisowski will be to handle the occasion and not be overwhelmed by Trump's relentless scoring. He will need to:
- Take his chances when they present themselves.
- Match Trump's heavy scoring from the start.
- Rely on his own attacking instincts.
Ahead of the match, Lisowski summed up his mindset, stating, "I've got nothing to lose. Judd is the favourite, he's the man to beat here. I'll just go out there, give it my all, and see what happens. It's just amazing to be playing for a trophy again." The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at the Waterfront Hall, where either Judd Trump will further his Belfast dynasty, or Jack Lisowski will finally claim his long-awaited maiden ranking crown.
