PREVIEW: Can new snooker star Lisowski shine under pressure at 9Club Shoot Out in Blackpool?
Snooker legend Stephen Hendry is tipping Jack Lisowski to show his “supreme talent” to fans having won his first ranking title.
Many of snooker’s biggest stars will be heading to Blackpool in December for the 9Club Shoot Out, which returns to the iconic Tower Circus where the event was originally staged from 2011 to 2015.
BUY TICKETS: Tickets are available from just £25 but book fast because the final session is already sold out - visit www.wst.tv/tickets/shoot-out-2025-tickets.
WATCH: Best/Funniest Snooker Shoot Out Moments!
The line up of players will be announced soon.
With his fast attacking style, Lisowski could be one of the favourites for the title. For several years he was considered the best player not to win a tournament, until he broke his duck at the recent Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.
And the 34-year-old left-hander did so in style, beating close friend Judd Trump 9-8 in a dramatic final.
Seven-time World Champion Hendry, who is retired from the pro game but still commentates on television and presents the Snooker Club podcast, said: “Jack has always been one of my favourite players to watch with his talent, cue action and touch.
“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. 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. Credit should go to his coach Chris Henry because they have only been working together a few weeks and already they have a title. I'm just happy for Jack and I can't wait to see where that talent takes him."
The Shoot Out runs from December 10 to 13 and it’s a fantastic day out for fans or all ages.
There is a unique set of rules with all matches lasting a maximum of ten minutes, with a shot clock of 15 seconds for the first five minutes and just ten seconds for the last five.
The world ranking event starts with 128 players, whittled down to just one over the four days of thrilling action. The players are under intense pressure as the clock ticks down!
Tom Ford lifted the trophy last year, coming through a strong field which included the likes of Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Mark Allen, Shaun Murphy, Jack Lisowski and Jimmy White.
Tom Rowell, WST’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, said: “The Shoot out has moved to a few places around the UK since 2015 but there was always a sense that Blackpool Tower Circus was the original and best venue so it will feel like a ‘homecoming’ when it returns to this iconic location in 2025.
“The historic arena, built in 1894, allows the crowd to surround the table on all sides, creating an intense atmosphere which ramps up the pressure as the clock ticks down. The players will be excited by this chance to experience once again the thrill of competing on this stage.
“We know there is huge support for snooker around the North West and this is an incredible chance for fans around Blackpool to enjoy the fun and energy which is unique to this event. We urge fans to book fast as it could sell out quickly.”
Kate Shane, Managing Director, Blackpool Council Leisure Portfolio, added: “We are delighted to welcome the Snooker Shoot Out back to Blackpool, it’s been ten years since we last hosted the event, but everyone involved still remembers the excitement of seeing the biggest stars of snooker perform in the magical Tower Circus arena.
"Our ambition is to showcase Blackpool as a year-round destination with world class events, shows and attractions, all creating reasons to visit and to stay, so we are delighted to support the Snooker Shoot Out event, as it provides yet another compelling reason for visitors to head our amazing resort.”