Barry Hawkins wins 2026 Welsh Open snooker – fifth ranking title and what it meant

Llandudno's Venue Cymru was filled with atmosphere on Sunday evening as the 2026 Welsh Open came to a close. There wasn't an empty seat in the house, and the reason was clear: the final featured two completely different stories. One was an already accomplished veteran, the other a perpetual promise finally breaking free from the chains of expectation.

In the end, it was Barry Hawkins who lifted the trophy, defeating Jack Lisowski 9-6. This was Hawkins' fifth career ranking title, and far from his easiest. The Hawk has always been a player who, on his best day, can challenge anyone, but his name is rarely mentioned in the same breath as dominance. Perhaps that's precisely his ace: an unassuming consistency that chips away at an opponent's confidence, piece by piece. In the final, Hawkins didn't dazzle; he just did what was needed – and that was enough.

Lisowski's career is like an unfinished autobiography

If the final were decided 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 set to be the underdog against John Higgins, but staged an incredible comeback to pip him at the post. 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 score of 6-5 doesn't tell the full story of the contest's quality.

Lisowski's journey has been like the protagonist of Running: The Autobiography: full of quick sprints, but also stumbles on the final metres. If anyone deserves to break free from the "promising" tag, it's Jack. In the final, however, he couldn't quite get a grip on Hawkins, even though he flashed moments of the brilliance that makes him one of snooker's best entertainers on TV.

• Hawkins' road to victory: Convincing wins over Zhou Yuelong and Mark Williams after the qualifiers.
• Lisowski's remarkable run: Defeating Mark Allen in the quarter-finals, and his comeback 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 payout.

Where are today's Singaporean players?

Even though there were no Singaporean players in Llandudno this year, Live: Welsh Open Snooker broadcasts still draw in fans locally. Snooker has a strong following here at the amateur level, with fans appreciating the tactical depth. Perhaps it's something for local brands to consider – there's potential in tapping into this viewership. The tournament is watched closely not just in the UK, but across Europe, and a logo flashing on screen can do wonders for brand recognition.

It's interesting to compare this year's event to the 2023 Welsh Open. Back then, the title went to Robert Milkins, another seasoned pro 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 might be a nightmare for bettors, but for us viewers, it's pure gold.

In the end, you have to tip your hat to Barry Hawkins. He's like that quiet 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 come as early as the World Championships in the spring.