Mark Allen gracefully accepted defeat after losing out on the Home Nations Series bonus to Jack Lisowski. Jokingly, Allen mentioned he “cried himself to sleep” when the £150,000 prize eluded him.
Lisowski staged an impressive comeback, highlighted by a superb break of 78 in the final frame of his semi-final against John Higgins, securing his spot in the final and claiming the substantial cash reward.
Initially leading the race for the bonus, Allen stumbled in the Welsh Open, allowing his competitors to seize the opportunity. Despite a strong start in the Home Nations series, with victories at the English Open and successful semi-final appearances in the Northern Ireland and Scottish Opens, Allen’s campaign ended with a first-round defeat in Wales.
Lisowski, one of the contenders for the jackpot, capitalized on Allen’s misstep, leaving the latter to congratulate him while feeling the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the prize.
Expressing his feelings on social media, Allen acknowledged Lisowski’s achievement and humorously lamented his recurring second-place finishes in such events, adding that he playfully “cried himself to sleep” after posting the message.
In a tense match against Higgins, Lisowski trailed initially but fought back to secure a 6-5 victory. The pressure was immense, but Lisowski stayed focused, determined to keep potting balls until the win was his – along with the cash prize.
Reflecting on his winning break, Lisowski emphasized his mindset of continuous potting and staying focused under pressure, crediting his ability to maintain composure and deliver crucial shots when needed.
Looking ahead to the final against Barry Hawkins, Lisowski acknowledged the need to maintain focus and momentum, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and prepared for the upcoming challenge.