Stephen Hendry offers Jack Lisowski key advice after landmark Northern Ireland Open title win over Judd Trump - 'Beautiful snooker player'
Updated 29/10/2025 at 17:17 GMT
React to this story
Stephen Hendry is celebrated as one of the greatest snooker players of all time due to a majestic attacking game that saw him claim seven world titles in the 1990s, but the Scotsman was never keen on lengthy safety battles during his rise to 36 ranking event victories. It is an approach he feels Jack Lisowski should follow after securing a first major trophy at the Northern Ireland Open.
'Let's hope it is the start of something' - Lisowski lifts Alex Higgins Trophy
Video credit: TNT Sports
Jack Lisowski should continue to focus on his superior attacking game if he wants to challenge for more titles, according to seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.
Hendry was impressed by Lisowski's commitment to attack during his run to an emotional 9-8 victory over world No. 1 and close friend Judd Trump in the Northern Ireland Open final in Belfast on Sunday, his first major victory on the main tour.
But unlike Trump, who has forged one of the strongest tactical games on the circuit in recent years, Hendry feels Lisowski is a good enough potter to forget about the sport's percentage approach.
"Jack has always been one of my favourite players to watch with his talent, cue action and touch," said Hendry on World Snooker Tour.
"He is an unbelievably beautiful snooker player to watch.
"He has always had that monkey on his back of not winning a title, and he has probably been sick of people like us going on about it.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/10/26/image-42f01290-d84b-48dd-bc94-69e40b179535-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'It is so surreal' - Lisowski reacts to title win
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He has always taken that with grace and never really hit out at people.
"I have never heard anyone have a bad word to say about him and that's why it's such a popular result. He did it the hard way, beating Mark Selby, Kyren Wilson and Judd Trump, three of the best in the world.
"He is never going to have the granite safety game of a Mark Selby or Mark Allen, but I don't think he needs that because he has got that flair, that special X factor which can rise above tactical play because he can play outrageous shots.
"That's what he has to focus on for the rest of his career, that supreme talent. Now he's got that one win, who knows what can happen?"
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/10/26/image-f7f18e28-d8b7-42a7-bcd7-472e0fe20946-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Let the celebrations begin' - Lisowski seals victory for first career title
Video credit: TNT Sports
- International Championship: How to watch, schedule and is O'Sullivan playing?
- Lisowski's landmark title win defines chaotic potting era full of impossible dreams
- O’Sullivan has his 'game together' and tipped to secure record Crucible win
Hendry also praised Lisowski's new coach for helping the Cheltenham potter end his 15-year wait to claim a ranking title after six previous final defeats between 2018 and 2021.
"Credit should go to Chris Henry because they have only been working together a few weeks, and already they have a title," said the Scotsman.
"I'm just happy for Jack and I can't wait to see where that talent takes him."
Lisowski begins his quest for back-to-back trophies at the International Championship in Nanjing, and a second-round match with Louis Heathcote on Monday, at 11:30 UK time, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
- - -
Watch and stream top snooker action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+
Advertisement
Advertisement