‘An emotional wreck’ – Lisowski ends 15-year wait

“I’ve never celebrated this in a truly special way.” Even though I’ve been playing snooker for 28 years, it’s not really me.

When Jack Lisowski won the Northern Ireland Open’s final, he put his hands to his mouth to feel the emotion.

He couldn’t hold back the tears as he embraced Judd Trump, his best friend and opponent.

The 34-year-old turned professional in 2010 and won a first ranking title at the seventh time.

Many people think Lisowski is one of the sport’s stars, but he had to sacrifice his time for the long-overdue success.

It was well worth the wait in the decisive frame of a thrilling final in Belfast.

It’s “surreal,” the author says. I’m in shock about it. I’m exhausted and emotionally wrecked, Lisowski told Jana McCabe on BBC Sport NI.

I was worried that I would suffocate. It feels strange, like a dream, and doesn’t feel real.

On and off the table, Lisowski has had a difficult year in 2025.

The Englishman has struggled with form, was not even in the quarter-finals, and even failed to make it to the World Championships in April.

However, his father passed away in March, and Lisowski, speaking to World Snooker, credited his parents with the victory.

When I received a message about my dad, Judd, who has been my best friend since I was 14 was there with me in a restaurant in Hong Kong eight months ago.

He has been my closest friend, to my brother, to be honest.

Trump’s friend’s loss also made him feel bittersweet.

The 36-year-old had defeated Lisowski three of his previous six in the final, but he was unable to overcome him on Sunday.

I’m happy for Jack, even though it’s difficult to play him. Trump told BBC Sport NI, “I believe it means a lot more to Jack than it would to me.”

I’ve already experienced this circumstance, and it won’t really help me.

“But for him, it’s a huge deal, and hopefully this will serve as the catalyst for his professional development.”

When Lisowksi, with a smile on his face, was asked if the victory in Belfast would be the first of many titles, replied, “I think so.

Everyone is saying, “I hope so,” and I’m hoping it will be.

After waiting for 15 years, Lisowski claimed that winning a tournament is the “best and worst way” to win.

I always believe that I want to win. However, I believe it is now more serious because my dad passed away.

“Before, it was a little bit of a game and fun.” I now believe I must win in favor of him.

In the final moments of the final frame, the 1435-strong crowd in Belfast, a record for a UK event other than the Masters, applauded and yelled out every Lisowski shot.

They might have gathered at the Waterfront Hall in hopes that Mark Allen, a home favorite, would have won the match, but Lisowski’s feat was not without his own. However, sport in Northern Ireland is full of underdog stories.

On the way to the final, Lisowski added, “It was incredible, it was better than the Masters at the Ally Pally, and that’s an amazing venue.”

The snooker game’s “best crowd ever” is what I’ve heard. They are yelling so loudly, and I’m trying my hardest. They dragged me on today, even though it can be quite off-putting and difficult at the end.