Free-flowing Judd Trump stretches winning streak over John Higgins to reach yet another Belfast semi-final

Record four-time champion Trump is by far the most prolific winner in the tournament's history having claimed titles in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023, and finishing as the runner-up last year in Belfast.

The 36-year-old Englishman - who is through to the 70th ranking event semi-final of his illustrious career - has now won 42 of his last 45 matches at the Northern Ireland Open.

It was opponent Higgins, though, going in front early on in his latest outing as a break of 61 helped the Scot to the opening frame.

Efforts of 93 and 82 in consecutive frames put Trump in front, but four-time world champion Higgins deposited frame four to send the players into the mid-session interval locked at 2-2.

However, on resumption, Trump rattled off three successive frames, twice crafting runs of 72 before wrapping up the result with a 121 - his 23rd century of the campaign.

Victory for Trump stretches his winning streak over Higgins in ranking events to 13 matches. Higgins last defeated Trump in a ranked tournament in September 2018.

Trump salutes legendary opponent Higgins

Trump was critical of his performance in his round of 16 win over Gary Wilson on Thursday, but seemed very pleased with his latest display, saying to TNT Sports after the match that he "didn't do much wrong".

‘The Ace in the Pack’ added by issuing high-praise for his decorated opponent, explaining that facing such a top player sharpens him up.

"When you have a legend like John sitting opposite you, you can't make mistakes” Trump said.

"He's always been someone I've looked up to, and have always had great battles with him. He used to clear up against me all the time.

"I know everyone wants to win, but there are three people who want to win more than anyone and that is John Higgins, Ronnie and Mark Williams. You can see it in their eyes.

"They're so different, but want to eat you alive and win any way possible."

It has been a frustrating start to the season for Trump - who is acclimatising to using a new cue - with this latest run representing his first semi-final berth since the World Championship back in the spring.

Trump is set to meet a Northern Irishman on Saturday night at the Waterfront with friends and practise partners Mark Allen and Jordan Brown squaring off in an all-Antrim quarter-final clash later on Friday.

Lisowski eliminates Belfast title holder Wilson

Jack Lisowski is through to his first semi-final on the professional circuit since reaching the last four at the Waterfront two years ago after dethroning Kyren Wilson 5-3 later in the afternoon programme.

Lisowski travelled to Belfast having had an uneventful season, but following victories this week against Mark Selby and now Wilson, the world number 29 is on the cusp of reaching his first ranking event final since March 2021.

Reigning champion Wilson won the opener along with a 68 but Lisowski strung together the next three frames - assisted by runs of 63 and 68 - to take control.

Wilson (70 break) reduced the deficit, but 34-year-old Lisowski replied with a 104 in the next frame.

The match was prolonged by 2024 world champion Wilson, although Lisowski completed the task with a 76 in frame eight to end a seven-match losing streak to his opponent.

Arguably the best player on the World Snooker Tour without a ranking event title to his name, Lisowski has previously reached six ranking event finals but has had to settle for runner-up each time.

'Jack-Pot' will face either Tom Ford or Zhou Yuelong on Saturday afternoon.

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