Jack Lisowski paid an emotional tribute to his "best friend" Judd Trump after clinching his first ranking title at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.
The 34-year-old held his nerve after a streak of six final losses – including three against Trump – to claim a hugely popular 9-8 win at the Waterfront Hall.
Afterwards Lisowski revealed how Trump had helped him through the devastating news about the sudden death of his father midway through the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong in March.
Lisowski told the packed crowd: "Judd's been my best friend pretty much since I was 14, and he was there eight months ago when I got the message about my dad."
Turning to Trump, Lisowski added: "You’ve been a better friend than I could ever ask for for the last eight months. You’re the closest thing I can have to a brother, and I love you."
Trump's defeat means he is still searching for his first ranking title since winning the UK Championship almost a year ago, but he admitted he could hardly be happier for his friend and rival.
"I’m so pleased for Jack," said Trump. "I’ll never take it for granted winning in the final, but I’m probably a lot happier than if I’d won to be honest.
"I gave it my absolute all but it wasn’t to be. Jack fully deserved the win and there’s no person happier for him than me. It’s so nice that he can shut everyone up."
No more than one frame separated the pair throughout a tightly-fought contest, which had ended all square at 4-4 after the opening afternoon session.
Both players had chances in the decider and when Lisowski broke down on 27 it looked potentially costly, but a Trump miss with the rest ultimately allowed the Gloucester man to wrap up his famous triumph.
"I feel like I’m dreaming," added Lisowski. "I’ve thought about this moment since I was six or seven years old and it’s probably taken me longer than I’d have liked. I’m genuinely going to remember this moment for the rest of my life."
