'Closest thing we've got to Ronnie O'Sullivan' - 'Inspirational' Jack Lisowski given lofty comparison
Published 27/02/2025 at 18:47 GMT
Jack Lisowski is “the closest thing” snooker has to another Ronnie O’Sullivan, believes Ali Carter. The Captain was speaking at the World Open in Yushan after securing his spot in the quarter-finals. Carter edged Lisowski 5-4 in the last 32 and stated his admiration for the 33-year-old’s game. Lisowski is a six-time ranking-event finalist but has yet to land a big title.
‘He’s the closest thing to Ronnie’ – Carter lauds Lisowski after winning close match
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jack Lisowski has been described as "the closest thing to Ronnie O’Sullivan" as the talented potter's bid to land a first big title goes on.
The praise came from Ali Carter, who came through a final-frame decider with Lisowski in the last 32, before beating David Lilley 5-1 to set up a meeting with Barry Hawkins in the last eight.
Lisowski has long been tipped as a ranking-event winner since he began his professional career, but has yet to get over the line in a ranking event, despite reaching six finals.
His attacking and quick style means he is a joy to watch in full flow and Carter described the 33-year-old as "inspirational".
"In one sense, I really enjoyed playing Jack Lisowski, because he's the closest thing we've got to Ronnie O'Sullivan," Carter said.
"But when you're playing him, you've just got a tiger by its tail the whole time.
"He goes on one, he's so inspirational, and for me to grind out a victory there – and it was a grind – was very pleasing.
"That's given me a lot of confidence moving into the latter part of this week. Hopefully I can keep it going and stay in Yushan for as long as possible, so then it’ll minimise the days off between now and Hong Kong."
O’Sullivan himself is expected to make his first appearance since withdrawing during the World Championship League in January, turning out at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.
The Rocket cited "medical reasons" for skipping events such as the Masters, the German Masters and Welsh Open and apologised for "letting people down" on X.
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As for Carter, his bid for a second World Open title in Yushan continues. He takes on Barry Hawkins for a place in the last four in what promises to be a thrilling all-English clash.
"Barry's had a great season," Carter added. "He's going to be hot favourite against me. He's the form player, so I've got no pressure on myself.
"I'm just going to turn up, give it my best shot and see what score comes my way."
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