German Masters 2023: Tom Ford fights off Jack Lisowski to reach final after epic deciding frame

Tom Ford defeated Jack Lisowski 6-5 in a hard-fought German Masters semi-final to set up a showdown with Ali Carter on Sunday.

The 39-year-old took a huge step in his quest for a first career ranking title by taking down fellow Englishman Lisowski in a high-quality last four clash.

In a match where both players produced centuries, Ford never fell behind, despite facing repeated fight-backs from his resilient rival.

The victory continued an impressive record for the world No.24, who has now won 12 of his 13 meetings with Lisowski.

Ford got off to a fast start, putting any early nerves to bed with an 84 clearance to take the opening frame.

Both players made great shots and nervy errors in frame two as a hard battle was eventually settled by Ford making a terrific pot on the yellow to send him on the way to a 2-0 lead.

Lisowski needed to respond quickly to stop the match from getting away from him, and he did just that in spectacular style.

Jackpot displayed expert cue ball control as he produced a century, his third of the tournament, with a 102 break to pull a frame back.

He continued that momentum, making a brilliant pot on the black and a clever plant on a red on his way to an 84 clearance to level things up for the mid-session interval.

Ford needed to wrestle back control of the semi-final after losing back-to-back frames and did just that, not quite making a century but getting to 70, which was enough to edge him back in front.

The back-and-forth nature of the semi-final continued, though, with Lisowski quickly recovering in the following frame, building a 54 clearance before Ford conceded when needing snookers.

A mis-hit from Lisowski handed Ford a chance and he took advantage in emphatic style with a stylish break of 104 for his first century of the tournament and eighth of the season.

The UK Championship semi-finalist then potted an awkward red to take hold of frame eight, putting together a run of 89 to go one frame from victory.

But again Lisowski came out fighting with his back to the wall, taking his time and building a nicely constructed break of 81 to ensure Ford would have to work for his place in the final.

Lisowski kept his cool with so much at stake, navigating some tricky shots and building up the scoreboard before Ford eventually conceded when needing 54 with 51 left on the table.

A decider beckoned, and it fully lived up to expectations. Mirroring the back-and-forth nature of the semi-final clash, both players had chances to win it.

Lisowski seemed to have it in the bag when he went 52-0 up, but a cue ball error left him behind the brown gave Ford a route back into the frame.

Ford’s hit-and-hope gave Lisowski another big shot on the red, but he missed it and Ford took advantage by putting one away and working his way back up the scoreboard.

A sublime pot on the yellow sealed victory for Ford, who will play for his first ranking title on Sunday.

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