Mark Allen was magnanimous in defeat as he missed out on the Home Nations Series bonus to Jack Lisowski on Saturday at the Welsh Open.
Lisowski produced a classy break of 78 in the deciding frame of his semi-final bout with John Higgins to reach the final and snatch the Home Nations bonus of £150,000 away from Allen.
The latter had appeared to be in control at the top of the rankings right from the very start of the Home Nations campaign.
Allen triumphed at the English Open in September to move to the summit of the standings, and then he supported that success with back-to-back appearances in the semi-finals of both the Northern Ireland and Scottish Opens.
The Pistol entered Wales with the destiny of the bonus in his own hands, but a first-round defeat to David Grace left the door ajar for the chasing pack.
There were only four players in the fourth and final tournament from the series who could have prevented him from earning the jackpot.
And as it transpired, it was the very one whose nickname is the ‘Jackpot’ who managed to usurp the Antrim man into first place.
Lisowski had trailed Higgins 3-1 before fighting back to lead 4-3 and 5-4, only for the legendary Scot to force a deciding frame and put a mountain of pressure on the former’s shoulders.
But handle it with class he did as Lisowski compiled a brilliant break at the finish to reach the Welsh Open final and guarantee himself the Home Nations Series prize in the process.
“What a break, Jack Lisowski,” a disappointed but gracious Mark Allen wrote on social media platform X alongside three clapping emojis.
“Fair play. [I’m] not sure I’m ever gonna win that bonus. [That’s the] fourth time in six years I’ve been second.”
BetVictor Series Bonus Winners
2020 Judd Trump
2021 Judd Trump
2022 John Higgins
2023 Robert Milkins
2024 Judd Trump
2025 Neil Robertson
2026 Jack Lisowski
Lisowski, meanwhile, was understandably delighted to have held his nerve when it mattered the most on such a big occasion.
The 34 year-old’s story prior to this season had been a career of missed opportunities, but he ended his run of defeats in finals at the Northern Ireland Open.
Picking up another lucrative cheque here will do his confidence the world of good as he sustains his bid to land a second career ranking crown on Sunday against Barry Hawkins.
“It feels amazing, what a match and what a frame,” Lisowski told the World Snooker Tour. “That’s probably as much pressure as I am ever going to experience.”
“To make a break like that, it’s the most satisfying frame I have ever played. I am proud of myself and looking forward to tomorrow now.
“I just kept potting and going for my shots. I have been so tense all day, thinking about the bonus. Now that is all released.
“I whacked my tip at the interval and tried to make it harder. I had no rhythm and the balls were going messy.
“I knew I had to attack, that’s the only way I can play, then they all started going in. It was an incredible game to be a part of, I really enjoyed it.
“It’s very special for me because John Higgins was my idol. I’ll never forget this match.
“It’s going to be hard to reset for tomorrow. I’ll have to calm down and get to sleep, otherwise I won’t be the same player.
“It would mean everything to win another title. I have been very poor in the last few tournaments, I lost some confidence and then the intensity wasn’t there in practice.
“I have learned that and it could be a big lesson for me.”
Featured photo credit: WST
