'To be there is a bit strange' – Jones admits making world final 'unexpected'

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

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.”

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.”