‘To be there is a bit strange’

Published 04/05/2024 at 22:41 GMT

Jak Jones defeated Stuart Bingham 17-12 in the semi-final of the 2024 Snooker World Championship final on Saturday evening, with the Welshman not on the list of pre-tournament favourites. Speaking to Eurosport after his surprise victory, he explained how his parents were contributing to his success so far, going so far as to reveal his mother had been washing his shirts on a brief visit.

‘Finishing with a flourish’ – Jones seals place in World Championship final

Jak Jones celebrated an “unexpected” appearance in the World Championship final against Kyren Wilson on Sunday after he defeated Stuart Bingham.

The Welshman overcame Bingham 17-12 on Saturday evening at the Crucible, with the final session seeing Jones exploit some inconsistent potting from his opponent.

Jones was not mentioned as a pre-tournament favourite, and he has failed to qualify for the main tour a couple of times in his career. However, a win in the quarter-finals over Judd Trump showed his quality and he followed that up by defeating Bingham convincingly on the final scoreline.

Speaking on Eurosport after his win, Jones conceded that he had not been confident of reaching the final, and said his reaction was tempered by rarely exceeding expectations.

He said: “Sounds good, bit unexpected this season. I think I’ve had so much disappointment in my career that I don’t get too excited, I don’t really get too down.

“I’ve watched the world final every year and thought what a dream that would be, what an amazing occasion it is. So to be there myself is a bit strange.”

Jones discussed the involvement of his parents so far in Sheffield. He first noted that his father’s approach has kept him calm.

“My dad has probably helped. He’s here, we don’t really talk about snooker too much or get too excited about what happens in the sessions,” he said.

“I don’t feel like I’ve played well, I’ve not come here with any confidence. If anything I wish I put on something better for the people watching. I suppose if anything, I’m winning like that, it doesn’t get better.

“If it had been expected it would have been something, but because it’s come out of nowhere, it’s a great moment.”

‘Can‘t we get on with the game please?’ – Referee remonstrates with crowd as Jones closes on win

Prompted by Jimmy White, he then reveals that his mother does not watch him in action, but she had visited recently, washed his shirts, and returned home.

He explained: “My mum… Everyone keeps asking, ‘Is your mum going to come up, now you’re in the semi-finals?’ But she’s just never watched .But she did come up a couple of days ago for the evening, washed my shirts, and went straight home.”

Jones concluded by reflecting on a couple of weeks with little sleep, adding adrenaline had got him through.

He said: “I won’t be expecting any sleep tonight, I’ve just accepted it.”

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