Lisowski – Concentration Is Vital On Masters Debut

Jack Lisowski admits that a lack of concentration is his “biggest weakness” and he will have to maintain focus when he plays in the Dafabet Masters for the first time next week.

Lisowski has flown up the rankings over the past two years and climbed into the top 16, earning a debut in snooker’s biggest invitation event. He faces Ding Junhui in the first round at Alexandra Palace on Monday at 7pm.

“The Masters is a tournament that I watched since I was a young boy,” said 27-year-old Lisowski. “I would love to do well, but I have a tough first round match against Ding. Each player at the Masters is one of the best in the world. Every round will be very hard, but I am looking forward to it.

“Alexandra Palace is one of the best venues and probably the best crowd. They are so into their snooker and are extremely passionate about the sport. Whenever I have watched it has been crazy with the noise and cheering. That doesn’t really suit me because of how bad my concentration is, that is my biggest weakness at the moment.

“If I can settle down, relax and start well then I will be fine. Otherwise I will be in big trouble. I am looking forward to testing my game in that sort of environment. If I think about the occasion too much I get distracted and lose my focus.”

Lisowski reached his first ranking event final at the Riga Masters last summer and has won at least one match in all 11 ranking events he has contested so far this season.

“I have gone from being one of the most inconsistent players on tour to becoming a top 16 player,” added the Gloucestershire cueman.

“Things have turned around because my consistency has got better. I’m not young for a snooker player now as a 27-year-old, but I think everyone learns at their own pace. I’m finding my way and finding out about my game and what works for me.”

Other top stars in the field at the Dafabet Masters, which runs from January 13 to 20, include Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Mark Williams, John Higgins, Judd Trump and defending champion Mark Allen.

It’s snooker’s biggest invitation event and one of the Triple Crown tournaments alongside the World and UK Championships. An elite field of the world’s top 16 players are chasing the £200,000 top prize and famous Paul Hunter Trophy.

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