Trouser trouble but Jack is happy to play behind closed doors
gloslivesport@reachplc.com
JACK LISOWSKI’S trousers are taking a battering but he reckons behind closed doors snooker is facilitating his pursuit of a maiden ranking event title.
The Churchdown potter eased past China’s Li Hang in the first round of the English Open on Tuesday as four half-century breaks secured a 4-2 triumph.
The world No.15’s pursuit of a first major title goes on, having finished runner-up at the Scottish Open, China Open and Riga Masters across the previous two seasons.
Lisowski’s aggressive use of the chalk is ruining his wardrobe but he couldn’t care less if he romps to glory - in front of no fans - this week.
Asked if the behind closed doors format will help his chances, the 29-year-old said: “For sure. I’m the sort of player that struggles with concentration when stuff ’s going on around me.
“I just can’t seem to concentrate, so I think it’s done me a favour.
“It’s just about getting used to it and it just feels like a practice game, really. It’s not the same but I’m just happy to be playing.
“My trousers are ripped where I constantly put my chalk in my pocket - it caught some stitches and the stitches came out.
“In the lockdown I haven’t been earning so these were my only pair of trousers. When you’re constantly putting your chalk in, it means I rip jeans and all the trousers I practice in.
“Maybe I need to go easier on it! I’m not there yet [buying new ones] but I’ll have a little go with a DIY job.
“I’ll just give it to someone to try and fix it later - hopefully they can fix it but if not, it’s not the end of the world. As long as I can hang on, it’s just a bit uncomfortable.”
Lisowski struck breaks of 83, 67, 65 and 55 to floor his world No.43 opponent at the first hurdle.
He didn’t have it all his own way at the first Home Nations event of the season, however, as Li pinched the third and fourth frames to level at 2-2.
But Lisowski showed his class to book his place in the last 64.
He crashed out of the European Masters in the second round but says practicing with world No.33 Liang Wenbo has got him hardened for the English Open battle.
“I’ve been practicing but I feel pretty match rusty,” he added.
“It’s just about getting back into it. I had a few games with Wenbo the other day and he sharpened me up a bit.
“I feel sharper than I did in the European tournaments so we’ll just see what happens.”
Gloucester’s Rob Milkins was left to rue a last-frame miscue as he was edged out 4-3 by former world champion Shaun Murphy.
Murphy made a break of 122 in the opening frame and went on to lead 3-1 but Milkins made a 103 in frame five and took the sixth for 3-3, then had the first clear chance in the decider.
He had made just 11 before mis-cueing as he attempted to pot a red to a baulk corner and Murphy responded with 65 which proved the crucial contribution as he set up a last 64 match with David Lilley.
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