Jack Lisowski was quick to tease his girlfriend after winning the Northern Ireland Open. The Englishman put to bed a 15-year wait for a ranking title on Sunday evening when he secured a 9-8 win over World No. 1 Judd Trump in the final at Waterfront Hall.
Visibly emotional from the feat, Lisowski was spotted wiping away tears of joy and embracing his rival and long-time friend, before sharing his adoration of Trump in his post-match interview. He told TNT Sports: “I just want to say to Judd. I mean, he’s been my best friend pretty much since 14.
“And he was there with me…We were in a restaurant in Hong Kong when I got the message about my dad. You’ve been a better friend than I could have ever asked for over the past eight months.
“He’s obviously one of the greatest snooker players of all time already, but he’s been the best friend I ever could have wished for. You’re the closest thing I’m ever going to have to a brother and I love you.”
In high spirits after his long-awaited win, Lisowski then turned his attention to his family and close friends to thank them for their support over the course of his career – also teasing his girlfriend, Bella, in hilarious fashion. He added: “This has been my dream since I was so young, I’ve got so many people in my corner that have supported me up to this moment.
“I’ve got my dad’s socks on today. When he passed away, the first thing I said was, ‘He never saw me win a ranking title, but my friends said you can do it for your mum.’ So this one’s for him if he’s watching down and my mum.
“The support you’ve given me…I’m 34, my mum still picks me up when I’m down. My uncle Gary is with me every day. My girlfriend Bella, this is the first tournament she’s come too – she just hasn’t got a clue about the rules or anything. Not every game is like this babe, trust me.”
He added: “I don’t think she even knows how much the blue ball is worth,” with a hint of sarcasm. Thanks to the win, the 34-year-old secured a pretty £100,000 winner’s payday to go with a memory that will last a lifetime.
Emotions were also running high on Trump’s side, despite the 36-year-old having not won a title since last December. Speaking after the match, he said: “Yeah, it was a good game. I think there was obviously a bit of tension.
“It was a different scenario then the rest of the finals we’ve played in – there was obviously a lot more on the line. But I’m so pleased for Jack.
“I’ll never take it for granted winning in the final, but I’m probably a lot happier than if I would have won, to be honest. I gave it my absolute all.
“It wasn’t to be. I missed a few shots, a few things here and there. Jack fully deserved the win and there’s no person happier for him than me.”
