Trump beats Allen to set up Lisowski NI Open final

To maintain his quest for a fifth Northern Ireland Open title, Judd Trump defeated Mark Allen 6-3 to advance to the final on Sunday against fellow Englishman and close friend Jack Lisowski.

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After snooker, the world number one needed the opening frame, and even though Allen won the next level, Trump gained momentum with a 73-foot break.

The Northern Ireland international put up a 68-run lead after the mid-session break, going 3-2 in front.

Trump fought back over the course of his final four frames to win the title and reach his 50th career ranking final. His best break came in frame seven, scoring an 82.

Allen, who had previously won the trophy in 2021 and 2022, was denied a chance to win a third NI Open title as a result of his defeat.

After defeating the world number eight, Trump claimed, “Mark never makes it easy now, but it was a tough game.”

“I missed a few easy balls in the first half, but once it got to 3-3, I found some form and gained some momentum.”

In the Waterfront Hall final match, Jack Lisowski scored three centuries to put him in the running for the win.

With a 125 clearance and break of 124, Lisowski added the next two frames.

Before the break, he moved 4-0 in front, but his Chinese foe reclaimed the 34-year-old’s four-frame advantage before posting a comfortable win in the seventh frame.

The 29-year-old world player, who has lost six of his final six games, is aiming for success in the first ranking event.

For the first time since March 2021, he lost to Donald Trump in the Gibraltar Open final. He will participate in a ranking event decider.

In addition to the semi-finals, Lisowski defeated Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals, Mark Selby, and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh from Thailand in the last 32, and Kyren Wilson.

It’s been a great week so far, but now it’s all about the final, Lisowski said.

I think I can pot any shot, but I’m more taken aback when I miss.

It’s nice when you work hard and it pays off because I’ve been practicing hard and putting in the effort. I have complete confidence.