Northern Ireland Open 2025: Jack Lisowski has snooker 'X-Factor' but must add one Judd Trump trait to help him 'shoot for the stars'

Jack Lisowski is one win away from a first career title after cruising to a 6-1 win over Zhou Yuelong in the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Open. Lisowski knocked in three centuries in Belfast on Saturday and Jimmy White and Alan McManus were hugely impressed. Watch and stream top snooker action, including the Northern Ireland Open, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'The beginning of the end' - Lisowski flukes red to set up victory run

Video credit: TNT Sports

Jack Lisowski has an "X-Factor" and can "shoot for the stars" if he adds Judd Trump’s mental strength to his game, according to Jimmy White and Alan McManus.

Lisowski blitzed Zhou Yuelong to reach the final of the Northern Ireland Open, to add to wins over Kyren Wilson, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, Mark Selby and Haris Tahir.

In beating Zhou 6-1, Lisowski stamped his ticket to a seventh ranking final of his career - and will take on either Judd Trump or Mark Allen for the title.

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Lisowski produced top-drawer snooker on Saturday, with Zhou having no answer as he saw his opponent run in three tons as well as breaks of 66 and 53.

It was a performance that had TNT Sports pundits White and McManus in awe.

White and McManus said Lisowski is second only to seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in terms of natural ability.

"O’Sullivan is another player who has that instinctive ability, but he added to it and brought in a bit of Stephen Hendry to become an all-round match player," White said. "Jack has not done that. But it just shows you what he can do. [World Champion Zhao] Xintong is another one who has that special X-Factor.

"He was magic today. When he got in he looked like he was going to win the frame in one visit. He was very dangerous and it is what we want to see as he is so good."

Lisowski’s form dipped last season, but he began working with coach Chris Henry and has been rewarded with a first final since the Gibraltar Open in March 2021.

McManus said it was frustrating watching Lisowski’s form dip due to the talent that he possesses.

'Oh my goodness' - Lisowski pots stunning long red

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"It is why we get disappointed when we don’t see it as we know what he can do," McManus said. "But when he puts it together like this, you can do anything you want in this game.

"He is second only, I believe, to O’Sullivan in terms of talent that you have in your little finger."

McManus said he would like to see Lisowski adopt the mindset of world No. 1 Trump.

"Judd is the best player in the world, he has won umpteen tournaments, and it is because he has a better mentality. It is as straightforward as that," McManus said. "If Jack can get any sort of Judd’s mentality then he can shoot for the stars in this game. He has been touched by the gods.

"He was excellent pretty much from start to finish."

'Terrific' - Lisowski makes third century of match

Video credit: TNT Sports

Henry emphasised the importance of process in an interview with TNT Sports, and Lisowski said he will look to keep his feet on the ground going into the final.

"I think I can improve," Lisowski said. "It is when I get a bit excited. I potted a great double and then missed a green in the middle. It is when I get a bit excited.

"If I am more used to being there [semi-finals and finals], I am going to be calmer and they [missed green] are going in, but I am still getting a bit excited.

"I have got to go home, have a chilled day and get some good rest.

"You can make it harder than it is. It is just a game of snooker."

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Watch and stream top snooker action, including the Northern Ireland Open, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+

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