JACK LISOWSKI BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS AS HE FINALLY LIFTS FIRST RANKING TITLE – WEARING HIS LATE DAD’S LUCKY SOCKS.

JACK LISOWSKI BREAKS DOWN IN TEARS AS HE FINALLY LIFTS FIRST RANKING TITLE – WEARING HIS LATE DAD’S LUCKY SOCKS.

 

It was the moment fans — and Jack Lisowski himself — had been waiting for. After years of near-misses, heartbreaks, and endless questions about when his breakthrough would come, the 34-year-old Englishman finally claimed his maiden ranking title in an emotional final that left even the most hardened snooker followers wiping away tears.

Lisowski, affectionately known as “Jackpot” on the circuit, defeated a world-class opponent in a thrilling encounter that went right down to the wire. But while the victory was sweet, it was the emotion that followed which made it unforgettable. As the final ball dropped and the crowd erupted, Lisowski buried his face in his hands and broke down in tears — his dream finally realized after years of chasing that elusive first trophy.

Moments later, he revealed the deeply personal tribute behind his triumph: he had worn his late father’s lucky socks throughout the tournament. “These were Dad’s,” Lisowski said, his voice breaking during the post-match interview. “He always told me I’d win something big one day, and I wanted to make sure he was with me out there tonight. I can’t believe it’s finally happened.”

Lisowski’s father, whose passing several years ago hit the player hard, was a driving force behind his career. The two shared a close bond, and Lisowski has often spoken about how his dad’s encouragement kept him going through the toughest defeats. Wearing those old, worn socks — which he revealed he’d kept safe since his junior playing days — gave the victory an even more poignant meaning.

It has been a long road to the top for Lisowski. Known for his fluid cue action and attacking style, he’s long been regarded as one of snooker’s most gifted talents. But his career has often been overshadowed by frustration. Six times before, he had reached the final of a ranking event — and six times, he had walked away empty-handed.

That history made Sunday night’s victory all the more special. As the final frame concluded, the emotion of years of near-success finally gave way to pure, unfiltered joy. The crowd rose to their feet in applause, recognizing not just a win, but a journey completed.

Tributes poured in from across the snooker world. World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan called it “one of the most deserved wins in recent memory,” while fellow pro Judd Trump — one of Lisowski’s closest friends — said, “No one works harder or has waited longer for this. I couldn’t be happier for him.”

For Lisowski, though, the night belonged to one person above all. “This one’s for Dad,” he said, holding the trophy high as he looked skyward. “He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

After years of promise and pain, Jack Lisowski finally has his moment — a champion at last, with his father’s spirit guiding every shot. And those lucky socks? They’ll surely be staying in the kit bag for a while yet.