Jak Jones claims maiden ranking title with Championship League triumph

LEICESTER: Wales' Jak Jones secured the first ranking title of his career after edging England's David Gilbert 3-2 in the final of the 2026 Championship League, ending a 16-year wait for silverware on the World Snooker Tour.

The 32-year-old from Cwmbran produced a composed display in a closely contested final to lift the trophy and collect the £33,000 winner's prize.

The victory also guarantees Jones a place in the prestigious Champion of Champions tournament later this year.

Jones turned professional in 2010 but endured a difficult start to his career, dropping off the World Snooker Tour on two occasions before establishing himself as a regular since 2016.

His breakthrough comes two years after reaching the 2024 World Snooker Championship final as a qualifier, where he defeated former world champions Stuart Bingham and Judd Trump before finishing runner-up to Kyren Wilson at the Crucible.

Speaking after his victory, Jones admitted the occasion had tested his nerves.

"It feels unreal, I was more nervous tonight than I was in the world final," Jones told World Snooker.

"It's a monkey off my back and good to get that out of the way."

Jones progressed through the Championship League by defeating Hossein Vafaei and fellow Welshman Dylan Emery, while also drawing with China's Zhang Anda during the group stage before overcoming Gilbert in the final.

It is pertinent to mention that the long-awaited triumph marks the biggest achievement of Jones' career to date and could provide the platform for further success during the 2026-27 season.