Lisowski Holds Off Allen To Make Final
Jack Lisowski is through to the final of the 19.com Scottish Open after a thrilling semi-final clash with defending champion Mark Allen, which he won 6-5 in Glasgow.
Gloucester cueman Lisowski will face Mark Selby tomorrow over the best of 17 frames for the Stephen Hendry Trophy and £70,000.
It will be Lisowski’s third appearance in a ranking final, where he will be aiming to capture a maiden title. His previous two finals were defeats at the 2018 Riga Masters and 2019 China Open, both at the hands of Neil Robertson.
Allen picked up this title last year with a 9-7 defeat of close friend Shaun Murphy in the final. However, he will have to settle for the £20,000 prize attached to reaching the semi-finals this year.
Lisowski immediately imposed himself on proceedings this evening, a stunning break of 135 saw him take the opening frame. Allen then restored parity, before a contribution of 82 saw Lisowski regain the lead at 2-1.
Northern Ireland’s Allen refused to wilt under the relentless pressure exerted by the aggressive Lisowski and composed a run of 77 to make it 2-2 at the mid-session.
The Pistol then took the lead for the first time when they returned. However, three frames on the bounce for Lisowski, including a sublime 118, saw him move one from victory at 5-3.
Allen dug deep to claim two in a row to force a decider, but it was Lisowski who produced a steely 95 break to reach his first ranking final on UK soil.
Lisowski said: “It was a really good break to win it at the end. I wouldn’t say I was panicking, because I knew I was playing well. If I had lost that frame I could have said I’d given my all. It was a bit confusing how Mark was staying with me. I was potting everything, but it just shows what a great player he is, so all credit to him.
“It would mean everything to win tomorrow. It is what I have personally been working towards for the last few years. One of the biggest goals in my life at the moment is to win that first tournament.
“I’m just going to try and stay as calm as I can. In the past I’ve definitely got too excited. I’m going to try not to think about it too much, stay relaxed and get a good night’s sleep.”
Allen said: “I just kept hanging on and hanging on with grit and determination. Even though I didn’t have my best form I always back myself in a decider. I just didn’t really get a shot in it.
“He is brilliant to watch. He is a nightmare to play against. You just don’t know what he is going to do next. The long red he potted in the decider, nobody else goes for that. He is crazily talented, but maybe just going for one too many is what is stopping him winning tournaments.”