Jack Lisowski is aiming to produce another strong showing at the season opening Kaspersky Riga Masters this weekend in Latvia.

The quickfire cueist from Gloucester reached his maiden ranking final at last year’s Riga Masters. He lost out in a 5-2 defeat to Neil Robertson. Later in the campaign, Lisowski went on to make a second final where he again faced Robertson at the China Open, this time he found himself runner-up in an 11-4 loss.

We caught up with Lisowski to discuss the upcoming season ahead of his opening tie in Riga this evening.

Jack, Riga is a place where you have already experienced success after reaching the final last year. How much are you looking forward to taking to the baize this week?

“Last year was my first big final. Hopefully, I can have another good run this time. I really like the place. Riga is a very nice city. I’m looking forward to it. It’s the first tournament so everyone is going to be a little bit cold. Everyone wants to get off to a good start. Hopefully, I can blow some cobwebs off and get a bit of rhythm going.”

What are your memories of that run in Riga last year?

“I played really well up until the final. I produced some really good stuff against Stephen Maguire in the semi-finals, I took all of my chances in that match. However, I seemed to be clearing up against everyone that week. The final was terrible for me. I didn’t play well at all. All in all though, it was probably one of my best tournaments so far. Hopefully, I can settle down this year and play to a similar level. Everyone has had a bit of time off and when you don’t play in a lot of tournaments you are a bit more nervous to start with.”

What are your main objectives for the season ahead?

“I’ve built on my game over the last two years. If I can improve on last year then it will be awesome for me, that would mean it has been another really good season. I’ll just be trying to do my best in every tournament. Hopefully, I can win one soon.

“The more finals you get to it can’t do any harm. It would be good to not have to play against Neil Robertson in the next one though! I just have to keep trying to put myself in positions to win. The more you do that, the more likely you are to get over the line in one. If a bit of luck can go my way and I play well then I can make that breakthrough.

“I think I will enter as many events as possible this season. I can probably pick and choose slightly more now I that I am finally in the top 16. I’ll just have to see how it all works out.”

How much have you benefitted from practising alongside new World Champion and close friend Judd Trump?

“It doesn’t do any harm the best player being in the same stable as you. I just have to keep watching and learning. It is a good thing for everyone in the Grove Academy to have the best player there to put yourself up against in practice.”

Source: World Snooker