Lisowski finds form to secure Crucible place

» CHURCHDOWN’S Jack Lisowski made amends for dropping out of the elite top 16 as he raced through the final qualifying round of the Cazoo World Championship, beating Matthew Stevens 10-3 to earn a place at the Crucible.

After a disappointing season by his standards, reaching only one ranking semi-final, Lisowski, 32, pictured, has the chance to finish the campaign on a high, winning his two matches for the loss of just seven frames, making six centuries.

Breaks of 137, 76, 80, 59, 73, 100 and 77 helped him turn a potentially tough tie against former world finalist Stevens into a cakewalk.

“This is the best I have played all season, I have practised really hard for it and it’s a relief to get through,” said Lisowski.

“It’s a ‘no win’ really because I was expected to get through and I could only lose.

“I have been to the Crucible for six years in a row and I want to do well this time.

“I feel sharper than I have done all season. I know Ding got to the final (in 2016) having come through the qualifiers.

“My plan was to turn a negative into a positive.

“I have two matches under my belt now. I nicked an important frame at the end of the first session today to go 6-3 instead of 5-4.

“When I got chances I was scoring and so was Matthew, it was a really good game.”

In his first qualifying match, Lisowski fired in four centuries on his way to beating Liu Hongyu 10-4.

Lisowski put on a blistering display in the opening session, firing in breaks of 104, 71, 104, 72, 100 and 50 en route to establishing a commanding 7-2 lead and a sublime 142 from Lisowski wrapped up the 10-4 win.

After that win, Lisowski said: “My results this season have been garbage, but I’m enjoying myself more.

“That’s the goal isn’t it? Enjoy yourself and be happy,” said Lisowski.