Mark Allen showed sportsmanship in defeat after losing the Home Nations Series bonus to Jack Lisowski. He humorously mentioned that he “cried himself to sleep” when the £150,000 prize eluded him.
Lisowski made a remarkable comeback, highlighted by a break of 78 in the final frame of his semi-final match against John Higgins, securing the substantial cash prize. Allen had been in a prime position to claim the bonus but faltered in the Welsh Open, allowing one of his competitors to seize the opportunity.
Having dominated the rankings since the start of the Home Nations campaign, Allen clinched the English Open title in September and reached the semi-finals of both the Northern Ireland and Scottish Opens. However, his winning streak came to an end with a first-round defeat to David Grace in Wales.
Lisowski, one of the few contenders capable of overtaking Allen for the jackpot, capitalized on the opportunity presented to him. Although Allen graciously congratulated him, it was undoubtedly a disappointing outcome for the runner-up.
Expressing his sentiments on social media, Allen acknowledged Lisowski’s impressive performance and humorously remarked on his recurring second-place finishes. Lisowski’s victory over Higgins included a tense battle that saw him trailing before rallying back to secure the win and the cash prize.
Reflecting on his winning break, Lisowski emphasized his focus on consistent potting under pressure and his determination to keep performing until the audience applauded his shots. He acknowledged his initial struggles during the match but credited his ability to break free from the pressure and showcase his skills on the table.
Looking ahead to the final against Barry Hawkins, Lisowski emphasized the need to maintain focus and determination, acknowledging the competitive nature of the sport.