Player Spotlight – Jack Lisowski

Runner up in the 2018 Riga Masters and 2019 China Open (only to lose to Neil Robertson both times), what do we know about the 27 year old multiple time quarter-finalist? A player with a tremendous talent and ability to pot balls; will we soon be seeing him lift his first ranking title?

Like many others, Lisowski displayed a flair with the sport from a young age, making his first century at 11 years old. He has since been training and practicing his craft with coaches and other players to become the player we know him as today. Most are probably aware of the dire health issues that Lisowski had to overcome at a young age but fortunately, he wasn’t halted in his snooker dream.

Cheltenham-born Lisowski turned professional in 2010 and has since been becoming more of a regular face to look out for in big tournaments. He is now currently ranked 11 in the world but still yet to win a ranking event. He has steadily risen in the rankings since turning pro so perhaps his residence in the Top 16 and maybe even the Top 8 going forward this season will provide the confidence to lift that maiden trophy.

Lisowski first attended the Crucible in 2013 but was eliminated in the first round by Barry Hawkins. His next appearance wouldn’t be until 2018 where he reached the second round but suffered a near whitewash against Higgins. His luck didn’t change this year where he came up against Ali Carter in the first round.

My view of Lisowski is that he suffers from what Judd Trump used to. What I mean is that we have a player with a bucket of potential who is still trying to get experience, not only with big events; but particularly making significant distance in these big events. There are a few occasions off the top of my head this season alone where Lisowski has lost a decider or a big lead in a match.

This will only change with more experience and titles which I am certain Lisowski will possess in the future. I mean, you don’t get rank 11 and amass over half a million in career earnings without having good game.

Player Spotlight - David Gilbert

After a respectable and heartfelt performance at the World Championship this year, there is now certainly a rising fan base for a certain David Gilbert. His semi-final run, defeating players including Mark Williams and Kyren Wilson propelled his exposure and popularity to new heights. So let’s find out about the current World No. 12.

Born in 1981, Gilbert turned pro in 2002 and was on-off the tour for the next couple years before consistently remaining a pro since 2005. There has been a few occasions where Gilbert has considered giving up on the sport but he has surrounded himself with supportive folk that helped keep him in the game.

He has since been steadily rising up the rankings, previously achieving a best rank of position 19 in the 2016/17 season. Given his lengthy tenure so far, he has only reached the Crucible a total 5 times but was only able to reach the second round in 2012.

He hasn’t had notable successes like some of the players that viewers are more familiar with however, his best performances include being a runner up in the 2015 International Championship, 2018 World Open and the 2019 German Masters. Funnily enough, Gilbert had the highest breaks of these last two performances. And of course, who can forget the memorable semi-final run a few weeks ago?

Accumulating over 240 centuries show that Gilbert knows how to build breaks around the table. This became quite apparent as he strung together the 147th maximum break during the Champions League this year against Stephen Maguire.

Having arguably the best season of his career so far, with 2 ranking finals and reaching the semi-final of WSC, will surely give Gilbert the confidence he needs to win his maiden ranking title, Gilbert should take great confidence into his game knowing he can go toe-to-toe with the best and win. And he will certainly get a tremendous roar of applause when he does win those ranking events.

Fun fact: did you know there was a former snooker player called Dave Gilbert, born 20 years before David Gilbert?