Few people anticipated that qualifier Jak Jones would advance past the opening round of the World Championship, much less make it to the snooker tournament’s main Monday afternoon session.
He became the sixth Welshman to reach a Crucible final after making it to the quarterfinals on his debut a year ago.
However, it appears that the 200-1 outsider from Cwmbran, who began this voyage rated 44th in the world, has a romantic relationship with the venue.
The 30-year-old has lost a number of significant matches thus far in the competition.
“I understand why it’s a surprise to everyone around the world but it wasn’t so much of a surprise for me,” Jones told BBC Sport Wales.
“I’ve learnt a lot and hopefully I can win it one day. I’ve always had the belief that I could win it one day.
“I got very close this time. I will win it in the future.
“I feel like I didn’t play my best here, basically my B and C game, so the fact that I can come here, come so close to winning, it gives me motivation and hope for the future.”
Reaching the Crucible final is Jak Jones’ biggest snooker achievement by far.
His season’s best coming into the tournament had been reaching the third round of February’s Welsh Open in Llandudno – his deepest run in a tournament had been a semi-final appearance at the Gibraltar Open in 2022.
He will now find himself in the world’s top 16 players next season for the first time, £200,000 richer.
“Before the tournament started, had you said I would have ended the season in the top 16 I would never have believed you,” Jones said.
“From the moment I first picked up a cue she hasn’t been able to watch me,” Jones continued.
However, I was able to convince her to attend the evening session, and I’m quite proud of her for that.
“Shame I couldn’t lift the trophy for them, but I will one day.”
After a demanding 17 days at the Crucible, Jones has one thought before turning his thoughts to the upcoming season and the top 16.
“I didn’t sleep at all after winning the semi-final,” Jones remarked.
“I returned to the hotel at around one in the morning and slept very little that night.
“I think I’ll go to the party tonight first and then sleep tomorrow!”
