World number 17 Jack Lisowski fired in four centuries on his way to beating Liu Hongyu 10-4 to earn his place on Judgement Day at Cazoo World Championship qualifying in Sheffield.
A below par season from six-time ranking event finalist Lisowski has seen him slip out of the world’s top 16 and fall one position shy of automatic qualification for the Crucible. It’s the first time the 32-year-old has required the qualifying stages since 2018.
Lisowski put on a blistering display in this morning’s opening session, firing in breaks of 104, 71, 104, 72, 100 and 50 en route to establishing a commanding 7-2 lead. When play resumed this evening, China’s Liu did provide some resistance but a sublime 142 from Lisowski wrapped up the 10-4 win.
Next up he faces a difficult test in the final qualifying round against Matthew Stevens. The Welshman earned his Judgement Day spot with a 10-6 defeat of Jimmy Robertson.
After this evening’s game Lisowski admitted he has recaptured his enthusiasm for the sport after a below par period on the table.
“My results this season have been garbage, but I’m enjoying myself a lot more. That’s the goal isn’t it? Enjoy yourself and be happy,” said Lisowski.
“It’s always tough for the seeds, whoever they play. All of the qualifiers are pretty good. I’m one game away so fingers crossed. It is two good games under your belt if you can get there. It is going to be a tough game for me next, but I just have to knuckle down and dig in.”
Jenson Kendrick continued his remarkable run to defeat Jordan Brown 10-5 and reach Judgement Day. World number 104 Kendrick entered the event in round one and needs to reach the Crucible to remain on tour. He now faces Lyu Haotian in the final round.
Anthony McGill’s run of nine straight Crucible appearances has come to an end after a 10-5 defeat against He Guoqiang, while Mark Davis scored a narrow 10-8 win over Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
The second round also concluded today. Among the results, Ben Mertens defeated Rod Lawler 10-9 to keep his tour survival chances alive and relegate Lawler. Alfie Burden remained in the hunt for a first Crucible visit since 1998, thrashing Xu Si 10-3.