Judd Trump admitted that he does not care if he or Jack Lisowski come out on top in the final of the Northern Ireland Open, as he will be delighted either way. World No. 1 Trump is searching for his 31st ranking title, with fellow finalist Lisowski looking to take his first in what has been an unprecedented string of disappointments.

Lisowski is widely regarded in the snooker world as the most talented player to never win a ranking title. His ability at the baize is often unparalleled, but he has left rivals and fans shaking their heads because he has not been able to string it all together across a week to secure silverware.

He has the chance to put any negativity to bed in Belfast, as he takes on his close friend Trump on Sunday.

They have known each other for 25 years, having come through the junior circuit together, and entered the professional game at the same time.

But Trump, knowing that his opponent ‘Jackpot’ is playing in his first ranking final since 2021, is aware of what it would mean for Lisowski to break that title hoodoo.

“It’s a bit different to the rest of the finals because of what’s gone on in the last six or eight months,” Trump told Metro. “It’s incredibly hard to play him at the best of times but to have that in the back of my mind as well, with what it would mean to him and the timing of it.”

Lisowski’s father tragically died in March and the 34-year-old has endured a difficult time at the table since.

For Trump, he would be delighted to see Lisowski lift the title on Sunday: “It’s not easy. It’s not going to be easy to play him. Either way, I win and I’m hated or he wins and I’m very pleased for him. If I lose I’ll be so happy for him, but I’ll give it 100 per cent and see what happens.”

He added to the World Snooker Tour: “Yeah, I don’t care either way. If he wins I’m happy for him, if I win I’m happy. It’s difficult to play your friend but it’s so good to see him back in finals.

“He’s too good to be spending four years without reaching a final, we all know that.

“When he gets his head together and gets the right people behind him he’s a tournament winner. Even though we’ve not seen it yet.

“He’s put himself in the position where six-eight months since what happened he’s managed to get himself together and shown a lot of fight this week and a different style of play. I watched a bit of his game earlier and his safety was much better than it normally is.

“He does things his own way and when it does happen for him I think everyone will be pleased for him.

“No matter what happens it’s going to be an amazing final. I love being in finals with Jack, it’s a dream come true really, so it’s nice to be in another one together, in this atmosphere as well, it’s great for him to experience.”