Jack Lisowski is determined to take positives from his likely trip to Cazoo World Championship Qualifying next month.
The 32-year-old hasn’t required the qualifying stages for the Crucible since the 2018 World Championship, but after dropping to 21st in the world rankings he is set to be at the English Institute of Sport this time around.
Lisowski is one of a raft of big names set for the Sheffield qualifiers, which includes 2010 World Champion Neil Robertson and 2015 Crucible king Stuart Bingham as things stand. You can be there in person from April 8th to 17th, tickets are on sale now. Click here to book now.
Although competition for one of the 16 available spots at the Theatre of Dreams is fierce, Lisowski believes that if he can get there he can use the extra matches to his advantage.
“It can work out in your favour sometimes. I’ve seen players like Ding get to the final (in 2016). It can actually be really beneficial to get a few games under your belt. I haven’t played many matches recently so it could be a good thing,” said six-time ranking event finalist LIsowski.
“I’ve been a seed the last few years and no matter who you get, you need to play really well because the qualifiers are always on it. They’ve had a few best of 19 matches under their belt and they are sharp. Hopefully that will be the same for me.
“I know I can do it. You’d rather be a seeded player but it is what it is and I’m looking forward to a new challenge. It is a tournament that you want to be involved in. It is the one that everyone dreams of winning. It is a challenge to have to qualify this season, but I am looking forward to it.”
The fact that the likes of Lisowski, Robertson and Stuart Bingham are all set to face the qualifiers is testament to how difficult it is to remain in the world’s elite 16. Lisowski believes that level of quality on the circuit can only act as a positive for the sport.
“There is so much strength in depth nowadays. It is incredible. You look some of the players that are outside of the top 16 and wonder how it has happened. There are so many good players. It is a great time to be a snooker player, very competitive and I think it is great for the fans. There are so many good matches all of the time. There are so many exciting games even in the earlier rounds. It is a great time for snooker.”
When asked about the reasons for his current decline, Lisowski has conceded that it may be in part due to a more relaxed approach in recent months. However, he is determined to recapture his best form ahead of the World Championship and ensure he appears and prospers at the Crucible.
“I’ve taken it very easy in the last six months and it has shown in my results. I’ve enjoyed my life a lot more off the table. I have been so intense the last few years so it has been really nice for me to have a break from it. I feel great, I feel happy and I’m looking forward to next season even already. I’m 32 now and I could potentially be doing this for another 20 years. You can go in different directions in life, but it is what it is at the moment and I’m really happy. I think I’ve done the right thing for my longevity. I’m looking forward to practising again.
“I’ve had really good seasons before and lost in the first round at the Crucible as a seed. It puts a downer on your season. Players can turn their season around there. It is that big of a tournament. I’m going to practise as much as I can and give it my all.”