Barry Hawkins vei Welsh Open -snookerin 2026 – viides ranking-titteli ja mitä jäi käteen
Llandudno's Venue Cymru was packed with atmosphere on Sunday evening as the 2026 Welsh Open drew to a close. There wasn't an empty seat in the house, and the reason was clear: the final showcased two completely different narratives. On one side, a seasoned pro who had already earned his stripes; on the other, the perennial promise, finally seemingly breaking free from the chains of expectation.
In the end, it was Barry Hawkins who hoisted the trophy aloft, defeating Jack Lisowski 9–6. This marked Hawkins' fifth ranking title win, and by no means his easiest. The Hawk has always been a player capable of challenging anyone on his day, but his name is rarely mentioned in the same breath as dominance. Perhaps that's precisely his ace in the hole: unassuming consistency that chips away at an opponent's confidence, piece by piece. In the final, Hawkins didn't dazzle; he simply got the job done – and that was enough.
Lisowski's career is like an unfinished autobiography
If the final were judged on flair alone, Jack Lisowski would have taken the trophy home on Saturday. But snooker isn't figure skating. Lisowski's path to the final was straight out of a thriller: in the semi-final, he once again looked the underdog against John Higgins, but staged an incredible comeback from behind. The Scot led 5–2, but Lisowski struck back like a wily old fox – or in this case, a young fox finally learning the tricks of the trade. The final scoreline of 6–5 doesn't tell the full story of the battle's intensity.
Lisowski's journey has been like the protagonist of Running: The Autobiography: full of quick sprints, but also stumbling on the final metres. If anyone deserves to escape the trap of being labelled a 'promising talent', it's Jack. In the final, however, he couldn't quite get a grip on Hawkins, even if he occasionally flashed the shots that have earned him a reputation as one of the best entertainers in televised snooker.
- Hawkins' road to victory: convincing wins over Zhou Yuelong and Mark Williams after the qualifiers.
- Lisowski's remarkable rise: defeating Mark Allen in the quarter-finals, and coming from behind against Higgins in the semis.
- Home Nations Series bonus: Lisowski would have claimed the bonus with a win, but has to settle for silver and a hefty ranking prize.
Where are today's Irish players?
Although there were no Irish players in Llandudno this year, the Live: Welsh Open Snooker broadcasts still drew thousands of viewers back home. Snooker has a strong amateur following here, and the audience appreciates tactical nous. Perhaps some Irish businesses could consider whether there's potential in small-scale Nordic visibility – the tournaments are followed closely not just in the British Isles but in mainland Europe, and a logo flashing on screen can do wonders for brand recognition.
It's interesting, by the way, to compare this year's tournament to the 2023 Welsh Open. Back then, the title went to Robert Milkins, another experienced campaigner like Hawkins. Now, two years on, the top tier is even more competitive: anyone in the top 16 can have a good week and take the trophy. It makes the sport a nightmare for punters, but a goldmine for us viewers.
In the end, you have to tip your hat to Barry Hawkins. He's like that colleague who never makes a fuss, but the project on his desk is always finished on time. A fifth ranking title is a deserved reward for a man who has stayed at the top quietly and steadily. And Jack Lisowski? His story is still being written – perhaps the next chapter will be penned at the World Championship in the spring.