Jack Lisowski: NI Open champion ‘an emotional wreck’ as he ends 15-year wait for title

For his part, Trump also felt bittersweet after his loss to his friend.

The 36-year-old had inflicted three of Lisowski’s previous six defeats, but failed to reach the final hurdle on Sunday.

Trump told the BBC: “It’s hard to play Jack and I’m happy for him. I think it means as much to Jack as it means to me.”

“I’ve been in this situation before and this won’t change anything for me.

“But for him, it’s a huge deal and I hope this is the motivation for him to continue his career.”

When asked if a win in Belfast would be the first of many, Lisowski said with a smile on his face: “I think so.

“Everyone tells me it will be so, and I hope so.”

After a 15-year wait, Lisowski said clinching the deciding frame was “the best and worst way” to win the tournament.

“I want to win all the time, I always believe that. But since my father died I feel like it’s more serious now.

“Before it was a game and a bit of fun. Now I feel like I have to win for him.

“I dug deep in practice, I practiced hard to try and make a good play, and it was good enough.”