Barry Hawkins beats Jack Lisowski to win first Welsh Open title
BBC World
March 1, 2026
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Barry Hawkins claimed his first Welsh Open title by defeating Jack Lisowski in a dominant performance. The match ended 9-5 as Hawkins showcased his skill with multiple century breaks, including an impressive 105 in the opening frame. Despite Lisowski's efforts to rally, Hawkins maintained control throughout, particularly during the afternoon session where he extended his lead to 7-1.
Hawkins' dominance was evident early on, as he won six consecutive frames after Lisowski drew level in the second frame. His ability to consistently produce high breaks, such as 67, 76, and 88, highlighted his superior performance. Although Lisowski managed to create suspense with back-to-back century breaks upon resuming the match, Hawkins proved resilient, winning a crucial 40-minute frame that reduced Lisowski's momentum.
Lisowski, competing in his first Welsh Open final, displayed remarkable tenacity but ultimately fell short due to Hawkins' superior play. In his post-match interview, Lisowski acknowledged Hawkins' skill, stating, "Barry was by far the better player today and he deserves his win." This victory marks a significant milestone for Hawkins, who had previously lost to John Higgins in the 2018 final.
Hawkins' triumph underscores his growth as a snooker player and solidifies his place among the sport's elite. The match not
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/1/2026