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Lisowski edges Trump in Belfast epic to claim maiden ranking title

Jonathan Davies in Northern Ireland Open

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Judd Trump v Jack Lisowski live stream | Northern Ireland Open Final preview

Lisowski finally got his hands on a trophy in Belfast

Jack Lisowski ended his wait for a first ranking title, after edging out good friend Judd Trump 9-8 in an epic Northern Ireland Open final.

Widely regarded as the best player never to win ranking silverware, ‘Jackpot’ finally shook off that tag, as he held his nerve to prevail in a deciding frame at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Sunday.

Lisowski had previously lost all six ranking finals he had contested – including three against Trump – but came out on the right side at the seventh attempt, lifting the Alex Higgins trophy and collecting the top prize of Β£100,000.

It was an emotional victory for the 34-year-old, whose father passed away in March, and the tears flowed as he shared a warm embrace with best friend Trump.

“I feel like I’m going to pass out!” he said. “I’ve never felt like this in my life; it feels so surreal, I feel like I’m dreaming.

“I’ve thought about this moment since I was six or seven years old. It’s probably taken a little bit longer than I would’ve liked it to.

“I’m going to remember this moment for the rest of my life. Hopefully, this is the start of my career. I’ve served my apprenticeship now.”

Paying tribute to Trump, Lisowski added: “He’s been my best friend since I was 14. He’s been a better friend than I could’ve ever asked for. He’s the closest thing I’m ever going to have to a brother.”

Lisowski, who had already beaten two former World champions in Mark Selby and Kyren Wilson this week, won a lengthy opening frame on the pink, but Trump replied with 97 and took another scrappy third frame on the pink.

The Ace looked on course to go 3-1 up after building a 53-0 lead in frame four, but his opponent cleared from the final red to snatch it on the pink.

Four-time Northern Ireland Open champion Trump regained his advantage after the mid-session interval, though a brilliant break of 112 drew Lisowski level once more.

‘Jackpot’ had a chance to regain the lead in frame seven, but sportingly called a foul on himself on 49. Trump ruthlessly punished him by clearing with 75, only to surrender a 48-1 advantage in the final frame of the afternoon, with his opponent neatly clearing with 62 to square things up.

The world number one controlled the opening frame of the evening with runs of 36 and 42, but a break of 59 helped Lisowski overturn a 37-0 deficit in the next for 5-5. The next two frames were also shared, with the Cheltenham cueist responding to his opponent’s 85 with 84.

Lisowski threatened to edge in front for the first time since the opening frame, but broke down on 29 after missing a black of the spot, and subsequently found himself 7-6 behind.

He responded well, though, with contributions of 51 and 60 putting him on the brink of victory at 8-7 up.

After Trump controlled frame 16 with a pair of runs of 38 helping him take the contest the distance, Lisowski had the first clear opportunity of the decider, but could only make 27 from it.

The chance appeared to have eluded ‘Jackpot’ after rattling a couple of reds, the latter following a nervy twitch. Incredibly, though, he was quickly back at the table after Trump missed a relatively routine red with the rest to the left corner.

Lisowski was not to be denied this time, a run of 46 finally putting him in the winner’s circle after 15 years of trying.

“It was a good game. There was obviously a little bit of tension,” added Trump, who was magnanimous in defeat. “It was a different scenario than the rest of the finals we’ve played in, there was a lot more on the line.

“I’m so pleased for Jack. I never take it for granted in the final, but I’m probably a lot happier than if I’d won. I gave it my absolute all, but it wasn’t to be. I missed a few shots. Jack fully deserved the win.

“There’s no person happier for him than me. It’s so nice that he can just shut everyone up. Jack has struggled a bit in the last two or three years, but he looked a lot more composed in the final. I hope now this is the start of a real rivalry, and he can get back to the top of the rankings where he deserves to be.”