UK Championship 2024: Jack Lisowski Reflects on Ronnie O'Sullivan's Impact on His Game

Jack Lisowski took another significant step in his quest for a maiden ranking title with a 6-4 victory over Ali Carter to secure his spot in the quarterfinals of the UK Championship. 

The Gloucestershire-born potter produced five 50+ breaks, including an 85, 97, and a stunning 106, showcasing the flair that has made him a fan favourite on the circuit.

O’Sullivan’s Subtle Critique

Before the match, Lisowski’s childhood idols, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White, were on punditry duty for Eurosport. The Rocket, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in snooker history, shared his perspective on playing against Lisowski, offering both praise and a subtle critique.

“We quite look forward to playing Jack [Lisowski] because you think it’s going to open, flowing, it will be a nice game,” O’Sullivan told Eurosport.

However, he added: “You don’t want your opponent to enjoy playing against you.”

The comment seemed to highlight the open and attacking nature of Lisowski’s game, suggesting that while entertaining, it might lack the gruelling edge to intimidate opponents.

Lisowski’s Relationship with Ronnie

When asked about O’Sullivan’s remarks after the match, Lisowski dismissed any negative connotation, choosing instead to focus on the Rocket’s respect for his abilities.

“No. It'd kill me if he said he [O’Sullivan] hated playing me,” Lisowski said with a smile.

The 33-year-old also revealed how much he values O’Sullivan’s mentorship, particularly this year, as the pair have spent significant time together.

“I feel like he's given me a lot of pointers over the years, and I practise with him. I think I've annoyed him because I haven't really ever took it on board that well,” Lisowski told SportsBoom.com. 

“But the last couple months I've been lucky enough to kind of do exhibitions with him in China. Spent a lot of time with him and you just pick up these little breadcrumbs, and I think the hammer's hitting home now.”

“Felt like a Dream”

Lisowski also reflected on a surreal moment earlier in the tournament after his win over Mark Selby in the last 32. Sharing the Eurosport studio with both O’Sullivan and Jimmy White, he described it as a personal milestone in his career.

“It was like a dream the other day in the Eurosport studio, I finished a game, and I've got Ronnie there and Jimmy [White] there and they're both going wild. Telling me I’m brilliant and looked like a complete player. That’s one of the best things ever for me, it felt like a dream at the time.”

Numb to Negativity 

Despite the glowing feedback, Lisowski remains level-headed, understanding the fleeting nature of praise and criticism in the sport.

“Obviously, you can't look into what someone says about you too much, otherwise someone's going to say something bad and you're going to get too down on it. So, I'm kind of a bit numb to it. But when Ronnie says something, obviously you listen and Jimmy.”

With O’Sullivan’s guidance and Lisowski’s natural talent, the potter is inching closer to the elusive ranking title that would cement his place among snooker’s elite. 

As the UK Championship unfolds, fans will watch eagerly to see if this could be the moment he finally breaks through.