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JACK LISOWSKI took the unconventional step of wearing sunglasses indoors to shield his eyes in his pursuit of a significant career breakthrough.
The Cheltenham potter, aged 34, ended the reign of the defending champion with a 5-3 victory in the quarter-finals held in Belfast.
Jack Lisowski had to wear protective eyewear during breaksCredit: Getty
Lisowski, a naturally gifted cueist, is on the hunt for his first ranking tournament victory after suffering six consecutive final losses.
However, during breaks at the Waterfront Hall, he was compelled to wear protective eyewear due to the glaring lights from a nearby TV studio in the players’ room.
The world No. 29, who achieved a top score with a break of 104, remarked: “It’s incredibly bright in here, and the sun was shining as well.
“I just wanted to protect my eyes while I relaxed backstage.
“It has been an amazing week. I feel like my confidence is at an all-time high right now. This is the reason we practice.
“Kyren was the best player in the world last season. When I’m at my best, it shows I’m a pretty strong player.”
The world No. 1 was eliminated 5-2 as he aims for a fifth Alex Higgins Trophy and the £100,000 prize for the champion.
Lisowski and Trump will be joined in the semi-finals by the winner of the match between Tom Ford and Zhou Yuelong, as well as Mark Allen and Jordan Brown.
Lisowski also shared his emotional struggles following his father's passing in March, feeling a surge of emotions each time he stepped onto the table.
He expressed: “It’s been a rollercoaster; things feel different now. I lacked the fighting spirit in the first few months, but now I can play again.
“In the first month without my dad, I felt so emotional during every frame, and I wish I hadn’t played during that time.
“I wish I had taken a break, but I kept pushing forward. It’s challenging to support me because there’s been so much heartbreak.
“Perhaps if I won a few matches, I’d gain more fans.”
