LLANDUDNO, Wales – Jack Lisowski secured a dramatic comeback victory over five-time champion John Higgins on Saturday, earning his place in the final of the Welsh Open 2026. The 34-year-old Lisowski will face fellow Englishman Barry Hawkins on Sunday in a bid to claim his second ranking title, following his win at the Northern Ireland Open in October.
The match against Higgins, a snooker legend, proved to be a rollercoaster, with Lisowski falling behind early before staging a remarkable turnaround. He ultimately prevailed 6-5 in a tense encounter at the Venue Cymru in Llandudno, denying Higgins a shot at the Ray Reardon Trophy. This Welsh Open final promises to be a captivating clash between two of England’s top talents.
Lisowski’s path to the final wasn’t without its challenges. He initially trailed Higgins 3-1, but a shift in momentum after the interval allowed him to seize control. He strung together a series of impressive breaks – 95, 79, 138, 58, and a decisive closing break of 78 – to secure his victory. The win marks the first time Lisowski has reached the final of the Welsh Open, a tournament steeped in history and tradition.
Lisowski Reflects on Hard-Fought Victory
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Lisowski described the feeling of turning the game around. “I knew I was playing well. I turned the game around after the interval and I was just thinking ‘keep it going’,” he said. He also acknowledged the mental fortitude required to compete at such a high level, adding, “Sometimes when the pressure’s like that, it gets a little bit easier because you head into auto-pilot.”
Lisowski also expressed his respect for his opponent, stating, “The crowd was amazing. I felt at 4-3 up, ‘I’m playing really good’, but you’re playing John Higgins. It’s like you’re playing a god.” His victory over Higgins, a player of such stature, is undoubtedly a significant achievement in his career.
Hawkins Advances After Battling Through Tough Matches
Lisowski’s opponent in the final, Barry Hawkins, also earned his spot after a series of impressive performances. According to reports from February 27, Hawkins defeated Neil Robertson 5-3 in the quarter-finals, having previously overcome Mark Williams on Thursday. The BBC reported that Hawkins relied on scrappy frames and a strong tactical approach to overcome his opponents.
Hawkins’ journey to the final demonstrates his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. His victory over Robertson, a former world champion, highlights his potential to challenge Lisowski for the title. The semi-final lineup on Saturday also featured a match between Wu Yize and Hawkins, which Hawkins won, and a contest between John Higgins and Lisowski, which Lisowski ultimately won.
Welsh Open Semi-Final Results
The semi-finals, played on Saturday, February 28, 2026, saw the following results:
- Barry Hawkins defeated Wu Yize 5-3
- Jack Lisowski defeated John Higgins 6-5
The Welsh Open has a rich history, with John Higgins himself having won the tournament five times previously – in 2000, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2018. But, on this occasion, he was unable to add a sixth title to his collection.
Schedule for Sunday’s Final
The final between Jack Lisowski and Barry Hawkins is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 13:00 GMT. Fans can follow the action live through various broadcasters and online streaming platforms. Radio Times provides a full schedule of the day’s matches.
The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two in-form players. Lisowski’s aggressive potting and break-building ability will be tested against Hawkins’ tactical prowess and safety play. The outcome will likely depend on which player can maintain composure and capitalize on their opportunities.
The Welsh Open continues to be a highlight of the snooker calendar, attracting top players and passionate fans from around the world. The tournament provides a platform for showcasing the skill and drama of this captivating sport.
Following the final on Sunday, attention will turn to the next ranking event on the snooker calendar, as players continue their quest for ranking points and qualification for the finish-of-season World Championship.
What are your thoughts on Lisowski’s stunning comeback? Share your predictions for the final in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow snooker enthusiasts.
