Trump Tops Allen to Set Up NI Open Final Showdown with Lisowski
Judd Trump overcame Mark Allen 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final at the Northern Ireland Open, keeping his hopes alive for a fifth title in the prestigious event. The victory set up a highly anticipated final against his close friend and fellow Englishman, Jack Lisowski, on Sunday. The win marks a significant milestone for Trump, who had struggled to reach the semi-finals in any ranking event this season. However, he now finds himself on the cusp of his first major title since capturing the UK Championship last December.
Trump’s match against Allen was a battle of nerve and skill, with the world number one showing his resilience after a shaky start. He stole the opening frame, needing snookers to win, before Allen fought back to level the scores at 1-1. Trump then surged ahead with a stylish 73 break, but Allen wasn’t going to go down without a fight. The Northern Ireland star responded with a solid 68 to reclaim the lead. A sensational 135 break from Allen put him 3-2 in front after the interval, but Trump found his rhythm at just the right moment. In a show of pure class, he took the next four frames, including a brilliant 82 in frame seven, to seal the win.
For Allen, the defeat marked the end of his bid for a third Northern Ireland Open title, having previously triumphed in 2021 and 2022. After the match, Trump reflected on the tough nature of the contest, saying, “It was difficult to get into a rhythm at the start, but when it went to 3-3, I found some form. I played a more attacking style, and the balls seemed to run a bit nicer for me.”
Earlier in the day, Jack Lisowski delivered a sensational performance of his own, beating Zhou Yuelong 6-1 to reach his first ranking event final in over two years. Lisowski was in blistering form, scoring three centuries in the match, including breaks of 125 and 124. He dominated from the start, racing to a 4-0 lead before the interval. Despite a brief fightback from Zhou, Lisowski maintained control and clinched the victory in the seventh frame.
Lisowski’s run to the final has been impressive, having defeated the likes of four-time world champion Mark Selby, Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, and Kyren Wilson. The 34-year-old, who has reached six ranking event finals without winning one, is eager to finally lift a trophy. “It’s been a great week, but now it’s all about the final,” he said with palpable confidence. “I feel like I can pot any shot, and I’m surprised when I miss. The hard work is paying off, and I’m feeling full of confidence.”
Now, with a £100,000 prize and the Alex Higgins Trophy on the line, all eyes will be on Sunday’s showdown between two of the most exciting talents in the sport. Trump, a four-time Northern Ireland Open champion, will face off against Lisowski, who is chasing his first ranking event title. Their friendly rivalry and contrasting styles promise an exhilarating contest.
