Jones aims to clear final hurdle at the Crucible

Welshman Jak Jones hopes to go one step further at this year's World Snooker Championship, after falling at the final hurdle two years ago.

A qualifier in 2024, he shocked the snooker world as he defeated some of the world's best on a sensational run to the final, where he narrowly lost 18-14 to Kyren Wilson.

Jones aims to shine again this year after crashing out in the first round to eventual champion Zhao Xingtong at last year's tournament.

And, after falling to 19th in the rankings, Jones had to come through the qualifiers to reach snooker's most prestigious tournament - just as he did in 2024.

"Last season it was different, I went straight to the venue and I played an extremely in-form Zhao Xingtong and obviously the first match wasn't great after not playing a match for two months," said Jones.

"I would say I prefer coming through the qualifiers because you've got a couple of matches going into the competition.

"Obviously, before the tournament starts you'd prefer to be straight at the Crucible, but I think playing before can really help."

Qualification for this year's tournament was no easy task either. Jones navigated a tricky section of the draw featuring promising Chinese youngster Chang Bingyu and 2023 world champion Luca Brecel.

The 32-year-old made it look easy as he swept aside Hong Kong's Marco Fu in the semi-final to set up a showdown with the dangerous Brecel for a place in this year's World Championship.

Jones then produced one of his best displays of the season to defeat the Belgian 10-5.

"Every match you play is a really difficult match, you've got to play well all the time, if you don't, no matter who you play, you're going to be going home," said Jones.

"I knew Luca was playing extremely well from his match with Chang Bingyu which was a really high standard.

"I don't think I could have played much better - it was probably the best I have played all season."

Jones kicks off his title bid with a tough test against Mark Selby, who will be hunting a fifth world title to add to his impressive trophy cabinet.

Cwmbran's 'Silent Assassin' will be hoping he can repeat his heroics of 2024 and go one step further to win his first ranking title.

And while last year's champion Xingtong will be hoping to break the 'Crucible curse', Jones is focused on himself.

"I honestly don't mind who I play. I just concentrate on myself and If I play well then I'm sure I'll be a game for anybody," said Jones.

"When I'd gone there the first or second time you don't know what you're capable of. I suppose now I know that I can play well there and can do well there. So that gives me a lot of confidence and belief."

At the Crucible Jones will look to become just the fourth Welshman to become world champion, following in the footsteps of Terry Griffiths, Ray Reardon and Mark Williams.

"I enjoy playing at the Crucible, you either love it or hate it and you can crumble, but I enjoy the atmosphere and it's an unbelievable arena," said Jones.

"It's an unbelievable venue to be honest and I'm really looking forward to it."