Jak Jones did not treat himself to any flash new cars or gold watches.
There was no mad spending spree on anything – apart from a couple of luxury holidays for his parents.
The one thing his shock run to the 2024 World Snooker Championship final did buy him? Belief that he can do it again. Or even go one step further and win it next time.
“It probably sounds crazy, but I feel more confident winning the World Championship than any tournament on the tour,” says the Cwmbran potter, who is preparing for his home event, the Welsh Open in Llandudno this week.
“The longer formats like the World suit me down to the ground. And what happened last year has given me the belief I’m a top player, and I deserve to be at the top.”
Jones, 31, almost caused one of the biggest shocks in sporting history when he reached the final as a qualifier and outside bet, with a series of eye-catching victories over the likes of Stuart Bingham, Zhang Anda and current world number one Judd Trump.
The fairytale Crucible run ended with an 18-14 defeat to Kyren Wilson, but nonetheless catapulted the Welshman into the world’s top 16 and earned him £200,000 in prize money as runner-up.
But it is not as if he has been splashing the cash around ever since.
“A lot of people think I won a lot more than I did. With the tax you have to pay and stuff like that, it doesn’t get you very far these days,” he said.
“So, no, it absolutely hasn’t changed my life one bit.
“I suppose I could get my parents a couple of holidays that I wasn’t able to do before. But I haven’t got a new car. I haven’t got a new house – or though we are looking at one!
“My wife and I are expecting our first baby – a boy – so the money will help with that.
“I’ve been through a lot of tough times on the tour where I struggled (financially), and my parents struggled to support me financially.
“So I’m not someone who was going to splash money around as soon as I got it. It was more security, trying to set myself up to be in a better position for the future.”
Jones’ countdown to the 2025 World Championship continues this week with the Welsh Open, which runs from 10-16 February at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru.
It is an important stepping stone towards Sheffield, with precious ranking points at stake to keep him in the world’s top 16 and automatic qualification for the Crucible.
“I feel like I could win any tournament I go into,” said Jones.
“Being on the big stage doesn’t affect me any more. I have the confidence and belief that I haven’t had in the past.
“Even though I haven’t had a good season, I’ve got confidence in my break-building, and feel I can switch it on at any moment and beat anyone.
“Maybe I’m saving it all for the World Championship – a one-tournament wonder!”
Source link : https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/articles/cx24g803782o
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Publish date : 2025-02-09 11:02:08
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