JACK LISOWSKI reached a low point in his snooker career last month – just seven weeks before celebrating his greatest sporting achievement.
One of the most uplifting stories of the year unfolded on the baize as the Cheltenham player emerged victorious on Sunday night.
Snooker star Jack Lisowski won the Northern Ireland OpenCredit: UnknownLisowski triumphed shortly after hitting ‘rock bottom’Credit: VCG via Getty Images
The 34-year-old Lisowski defeated his best friend Judd Trump 9-8 in the final of the Northern Ireland Open, finally overcoming the hurdle of six final defeats since 2018.
This year has been particularly emotional for him, especially since back in March, there were concerns that he might never win a title at the professional level.
However, Lisowski – known for his adventurous and entertaining playing style, though often undisciplined – hit a low point on September 2 in Leicester.
He lost 5-4 to world No. 110 Xu Yichen during the qualifying rounds for the lucrative Xi’an Grand Prix.
This moment of disappointment prompted him to seek "technical" assistance from Belgian-based coaching expert Chris Henry, who has worked with many top players, and the results have been remarkable.
Lisowski, who wore his late father’s lucky socks and is using a new cue tip, expressed: “This is incredible. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to initiate change.
“If I hadn’t lost that qualifier, I don’t think I would have considered visiting Bruges to meet Chris Henry.
“My uncle and I discussed it in the car. We realized something needed to change. I know Chris is a top coach.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that within six or seven weeks, he would turn my career around from such a low point to this magical moment. We have endured so much. There have been plenty of downs.
“After losing one semi-final to Tom Ford, I returned to the hotel and found myself sitting on the floor outside my room, uncertain of what to do.
“This could mark the beginning of something beautiful. I hope this is the start of my career. I have completed my apprenticeship. Now I’m here.
“Winning a tournament isn’t some elusive phoenix that I doubted existed. I’ve done it now. I’ve felt it.”
His victory in Belfast was no coincidence, as he triumphed over three world champions – including Kyren Wilson – and this could herald the beginning of significant success and a genuine rivalry with other English players.
Lisowski, affectionately known as Jack-Pot, focused more seriously on his career following his father's passing, fully committing himself to the sport.
His approach to life has always been relaxed, which can be attributed to his battle with Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer, diagnosed when he was just 16.
A nine-month ordeal ensued, involving 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and he continues to require routine medical check-ups.
‘I Was Convinced I Was Going to Die’
During that time, as a junior snooker player, “I was convinced I was going to die.”
Reflecting on that period, Lisowski said: “When I was ill at 16, I immediately sought out stories of those who had overcome cancer.
“I read Lance Armstrong’s book, and I remember some of his words that positively impacted me during one of the lowest times of my life.
“If anyone can look at my story, I have hit rock bottom at 16, and again this year, but I persevered and ended up experiencing the greatest sporting moment of my life.
“Everyone faces challenges. Life is tough. I feel like many people are either about to enter a crisis, are currently in one, or are just emerging from one. It’s a constant cycle.
“But if someone can see me and know that I have been in a crisis multiple times and here I am today, healthy and now a world snooker ranking winner, that would be inspiring.
“I'm not trying to be like Gandhi or anything, but if I can uplift someone’s spirits, that would be incredible.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges did Jack Lisowski face in his career?
Jack Lisowski faced numerous challenges, including six final defeats since 2018 and a significant loss to Xu Yichen in September 2023, which led him to seek coaching assistance.
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Snooker star Jack Lisowski won the Northern Ireland OpenCredit: Unknown
Lisowski triumphed shortly after hitting ‘rock bottom’Credit: VCG via Getty Images
