JACK’S BACK AS LISOWSKI SLAYS DEMONS WITH BRECEL BATTERING

JACK LISOWSKI banished his Ally Pally fears to blow away world champion Luca Brecel on the opening day of the Masters.

‘Jackpot’, 32, compiled his 300th career century break en route to a 6-2 demolition of confidence-drained Crucible king Brecel.

And world No.16 Lisowski, who reached a second Masters quarter-final, said: “I was really scared to come here because I didn’t know what Jack would turn up.

“For me, it’s the scariest tournament to play in. One table, big crowd all watching you – but I felt like I couldn’t miss in the first four frames. It’s nice when you play like that in front of a big crowd. It’s the best crowd we play in front of.”

Lisowski (right) raced 4-0 ahead with 100,

96, 70 and 69 breaks. Brecel threatened a mighty comeback as he halved the deficit with runs of 80 and 72, but Lisowski booked his lasteight berth with further 68 and 63 visits.

And he’s desperate to put his recent struggles behind him by winning one of the game’s biggest prizes this week.

“I’ve not enjoyed it at all the last year,” admitted Lisowski, who is chasing a maiden professional title. “It’s tough, it’s lonely. You’re travelling a lot. Everyone sees your failings when you don’t do well.

“I’ve had quite a few bad beatings. It can really get you down and that’s not what you dream of as a kid.

“But I need to remember I am living out my dream and enjoy these moments because they won’t be around forever.”

Frustrated Brecel admitted: “I was terrible. If I keep playing like this then you’ll see me at Q School in 2025. I know how I can play, but I’ve not been good enough this season.”