Jack Lisowski on facing Judd Trump, brilliant Luca Brecel and the best Ronnie O'Sullivan

21/09/2023 17:56

Jack Lisowski will be under the spotlight once again this season as he hunts down the first title of his career, but far from panicking, he is staying patient and feels his game continues to come together.

Jackpot was in Sheffield on Thursday and successfully qualified for the International Championship in China in November, ahead of a hugely busy part of the season, with a packed calendar right through to Christmas.

The 32-year-old has not had a lot to go at so far this campaign, but enjoyed competing at the Shanghai Masters where he lost 6-5 to Judd Trump in the last 16.

It shows how unfazed Lisowski can be by defeats that his initial memory of the tournament wasn’t the loss, but how much he enjoys the city.

‘I love Shanghai!’ Lisowski said when asked about the recent event. ‘I pushed Judd, lost 6-5, close game but I enjoyed the trip.’

Outside of the Championship League, Trump has won his last seven meetings with his good pal Lisowski, but while Jack admits playing a friend is not ideal, he does not think it is a big problem.

‘It’s alright, it’s not that bad,’ he said. ‘I never really fully enjoy it, but even when he wins he doesn’t look that happy, so it’s not ideal.

‘It is what it is, we’re both used to it so we just get on with it. When you play your good mates, there’s a few players on tour I’m really close to, when you play them it’s not ideal, but it is what it is at the end of the day, you’ve just got to get on with it.’

Lisowski was clearly not overly down about his World Championship defeat earlier this year either, as when asked about his lasting feelings on his last 16 defeat to Anthony McGill, none sprung to mind.

‘Feels like so long ago I can’t really remember,’ he said. ‘What happened? I lost to McGill. Yeah, I didn’t play great but you just kind of get on with it. New season, no time to dwell on it, but honestly, I can’t really remember.’