Monday 14 February 2011

Lisowski, who is in his debut season on the professional tour, gave a fine account of himself at his first domestic venue, showing off his undoubted potting talent – though also a rawness which ultimately cost him the match.

A break of 70 gave the 19-year-old left-hander the first frame, but he missed several chances in the second and Higgins took it on the colours. Runs of 58 and 50 put Higgins 3-1 up.

Back came World No 58 Lisowski with 32 and 47 to win frame five, and he edged an error-strewn sixth after Higgins missed a long final green. Lisowski had an early chance in the decider but could only make 15 before missing a risky red to a centre pocket. That proved his last shot as Higgins knocked in 59 for victory.

“Jack’s a great young talent,” said World No 1 Higgins, who faces Dave Harold in the last 16. “He’s got a great way around the table and he’s got a bright future in the game. I’ve only seen clips of the young Jimmy White on Youtube but Jack reminds me of him.” (From worldsnooker.com)

Qualifying:

Jack Lisowski continued his great run of form which saw him reach the last 32 of the German Masters last month. Taking part in the second qualifying round for the first time due to his recent elevation to the top 64, he first beat Liam Highfield 4-1, then defeated Fergal O’Brien 4-0 and finished off with an excellent victory against World Open quarter-finalist Martin Gould 4-3. Jack’s reward is a first meeting against world No 1 John Higgins in Newport on Monday.

Three Grove players were involved in two first round matches – Liu Chuang and Zhang Anda were drawn against each other, with Chuang finishing up 4-2 winner. However Liu Song saw a good run of form end with a 0-4 defeat against Ben Woollaston.

Chaung and Matthew Selt joined Jack in round three with two wins, Chaung enjoying a close 4-3 victory over Anthony McGill, and Matt overcoming Jamie O’Neill by the same scoreline. However neither player was able to progress any further, with Chaung losing 1-4 to Dominic Dale and Matt losing 2-4 to Tony Drago. Judd Trump was unlucky not to progress to the final stages after losing 1-4 to Rod Lawler in round four.