Jack Lisowski stands out as one of the most polarizing figures in the world of snooker, attracting attention for both his impressive skills and inconsistent performance.
Several prominent snooker players, including the esteemed Mark Selby, have openly drawn parallels between Lisowski and the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan, contending that ‘Jackpot’ possesses an extraordinary natural talent that remains unparalleled among his professional peers.
Since embarking on his professional career in the 2010/11 season, Lisowski has amassed millions in earnings, yet despite reaching the quarter-finals of the World Championship only two years ago, his trajectory has brought him dangerously close to the ‘what could have been’ narrative.
At just 32 years old, Lisowski appears to have enjoyed an overall commendable 14 years on the professional tour; however, his failure to make a lasting impact on the sport has led to increasing skepticism among fans and analysts alike.
Lisowski is remarkable for having never claimed victory in a ranking event, despite collecting a staggering £1.7 million in career prize money. Selby is adamant that so much of Lisowski’s potential is rooted in talent, remarking that the major obstacle holding him back lies within his mentality.
“Sometimes his (Lisowski’s) standard is up there with Ronnie, it is unplayable,” Selby told the World Snooker Tour earlier this year, emphasizing his admiration. “He is probably one of my favourite players to watch. I think once he wins one then the floodgates will open. At the moment I don’t think he realises how good he is.”
“Deep down, when you speak to him or hear him in interviews, it is as if he doesn’t believe he should be there with the top guys. He is a top player. He played great at the Crucible in 2022, beating Neil Robertson and narrowly losing to John Higgins, a match that cost him a chance at the semi-finals.”
Lisowski’s exceptional break-building skills and continually improving safety game have sparked ongoing comparisons to snooker’s all-time greats, establishing him as a player capable of brilliance.
Shaun Murphy recognized Lisowski’s potential after suffering a defeat to him in the UK Championship quarter-finals two years ago, where Lisowski secured a commanding 6-2 victory, powered by an impressive four consecutive century breaks.
“The only person who has the talent and the raw-DNA talent running through their veins to make the game anything like as easy as that is O’Sullivan,” Murphy said, praising Lisowski’s capabilities.
“And if Jack has or does find a way to harness that and is happy to get in the trenches if someone does get on top of him which I was unable to do tonight… if he can marry that with his undeniable talent, he will win, and win a lot.”
But with Lisowski currently sitting at world No. 20, there is tangible concern over his likelihood of falling short of expectations. He has sought the guidance of former world champion Peter Ebdon and Seniors world champion Lee Walker to help surmount his mental challenges. Yet, the critical question remains: will he ever shed the label of the ‘next O’Sullivan’ and finally secure that elusive title?
**Interview with Mark Selby on Jack Lisowski’s Snooker Career**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Mark! It’s great to have you here today. You’ve been quite vocal about your admiration for Jack Lisowski’s talent, comparing him to the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan. Can you elaborate on that?
**Mark Selby:** Absolutely! Jack has an incredible natural talent that I think is often underappreciated. When he’s at his best, his game can be unplayable, reminiscent of Ronnie in his prime. The finesse and creativity he brings to the table are truly remarkable.
**Interviewer:** That’s interesting! Yet, despite his evident talent, Lisowski hasn’t clinched a ranking event victory. What do you think is holding him back?
**Mark Selby:** It ultimately comes down to mentality, I believe. Jack has all the skills in the world, but sometimes it seems like he struggles to maintain consistency under pressure. It’s that mental composure in crucial moments that can make or break a match.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned consistency. How important is that in the high-stakes environment of professional snooker?
**Mark Selby:** It’s vital. Snooker is as much a mental game as it is physical. When the pressure is on, you need to be able to rely on your mental fortitude to stay focused and make the right shots. Jack has shown flashes of brilliance, but he needs to find that steady footing to become a regular contender at the top.
**Interviewer:** With his impressive earnings over the years, do you think Lisowski feels the pressure of expectations more acutely compared to other players?
**Mark Selby:** That’s definitely a factor. Earning that much prize money but not having a ranking title can create a ‘what could have been’ narrative, which weighs heavily on any athlete. The expectations can be daunting, and it’s a challenge for him to manage that while trying to stay true to his game.
**Interviewer:** At just 32 years old, do you think Lisowski has enough time to realize his full potential and perhaps win that elusive ranking title?
**Mark Selby:** Absolutely! He’s still young in snooker terms. If he can harness his talent and work on his mentality, I believe he has every opportunity to make a significant mark on the sport before his career is over. I truly hope to see him climbing that ladder soon because he deserves it.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mark, for sharing your insights on Jack Lisowski. We look forward to seeing how his career unfolds in the future!
**Mark Selby:** Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the game we love.