I’M READY TO HIT JACKPOT

Lisowski beat cancer as a teenager.. now he is going all out to make his mark at Crucible How many races will there be on May Day? a. 5 b. 6 c. 7

JACK LISOWSKI is ready to make the most of his big Crucible chance.

The 26-year-old from Gloucester known as ‘Jackpot’ faces the toughest match of his career against four-time world champion John Higgins today.

But world No.30 Lisowski has already won a far bigger battle having been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a teenager.

That required six months and 16 sessions of chemotherapy, and when it was over the lightning-fast player admits he put enjoying life ahead of the hours of practice.

But Lisowski, long tipped as a future tournament winner, has rededicated himself this season and enjoyed a best campaign since turning pro.

Ahead of his Betfred World Championship last-16 clash in Sheffield, Lisowski said: “It is like the worst five-day hangover after your chemotherapy. I had it every Tuesday every two weeks for eight months. And by the end of that you are pretty much a walking zombie, and I looked like garbage. It was horrible.

“And I was only 16, and took the decision after being given the choice to be treated as an adult because I didn’t want to see little kids being that ill.

“So you were in a room with 60, 70 and 80 year-olds and though I met some amazing people it was a very confusing time.

“I still go for regular check-ups and it is still a factor in my life.

“It was behind me being lazy with my snooker for a few years. I was enjoying life, and not willing to do what was required.

“But 10 years have passed since I was ill, and this year I have set new goals for my career, and I want to win something now.”

Lisowski beat Higgins (above) 6-2 on their most recent meeting this month at the China Open in Beijing – boosting his confidence.

And since his only previous Crucible appearance five years ago the Teenage Cancer Trust ambassador has also got married.

He added: “I was a free spirit then in 2013, and now I have got married and have some responsibilities. I am an adult instead of a little boy.

“I met Jamie in Las Vegas where she was working on an event. It was actually a blind date, Judd Trump had met someone and she brought her friend along.

“So he lost his wingman, as we ended up getting together and I ended up marrying my blind date. Normally what happens in Vegas stays there – but not this time!

“One of the biggest incentives to do well in this tournament is I might be able to do more for the Teenage Cancer Trust.”

LADIES GO FREE!