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Jack Lisowski edged a thrilling final against Liam Highfield to win the first event of the Pontins International Open Series at Prestatyn.

Lisowski, widely tipped as a star of the future, had blasted through his opening six matches for the loss of just four frames - three to John Astley in the quarter-final - and secured a 6-5 victory in the final a day after his 18th birthday.

Highfield endured a tough run through the tournament, starting with a 4-3 win over Andrew Pagett before battling through close matches with Michael Wild, Robbie Williams and Gary Wilson respectively.

Highfield - who made his name with a 147 in a junior event last year - carried that fighting spirit into what proved to be a closely-fought final.

Neither player managed to get more than two frames ahead and Highfield forced a decider after edging a nail-biting 10th frame 48-46.

Lisowski, however, won the decider comfortably to top the early rankings in the game's secondary tour.

Eight players will earn promotion to the professional circuit for the 2010/11 season after the last of the eight PIOS tournaments next May.

Results:

Final

Liam Highfield 5-6 Jack Lisowski

Semi-finals

Liam Highfield 5-3 Gary Wilson

Patrick Einsle 0-5 Jack Lisowski

Quarter Finals

Liam Highfield 5-3 Robbie Williams

Allan Taylor 3-5 Gary Wilson

Patrick Einsle 5-2 Kurt Maflin

John Astley 3-5 Jack Lisowski

Eurosport