Selby out but Lisowski advances in NI Open defence
Defending champion Jack Lisowski opened his Northern Ireland Open campaign with a 4-1 win over Huang Jiahao in Belfast. His progress contrasts with Mark Selby’s first-round defeat, ending the four-time world champion’s hopes of becoming the first player to win all four Home Nations tournaments.
Lisowski took a 3-0 lead before Jiahao won a frame; Lisowski then secured the deciding frame on the black. He will meet Anthony McGill, who beat Stephen Maguire 4-1. Selby lost 4-2 to Louis Heathcote after leading 2-0, while Xiao Guodong lost a final-frame decider to Sam Craigie and Aaron Hill fell 4-2 to Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
- Lisowski began his title defence with a 4-1 win.
- Selby lost after leading Heathcote 2-0.
- McGill will face Lisowski in round two.