Jak Jones says he feels more confident winning the World Championship than any other tournament on the snooker calendar.
Jones’s confidence is at its highest after reaching last season’s Crucible final and he feels that elusive maiden title is on its way.
The 31-year-old Welshman suffered defeat to Kyren Wilson on snooker’s biggest stage last year. To reach the final he produced an impressive victory against world number one Judd Trump in just his second Crucible appearance.
At one stage in the final he threatened one of the best comebacks snooker has ever seen. But his opponent dug deep at a critical time to get to the winning line.
Jak Jones revealed that his inspired run at the famous snooker venue has increased his confidence and that he doesn’t fear playing in front of big crowds.
“I feel like I could win any tournament I go into,” he told BBC Sport. “Being on the big stage doesn’t affect me any more.
“I have the confidence and belief that I haven’t had in the past. Even though I haven’t had a good season, I’ve got confidence in my break-building, and feel I can switch it on at any moment and beat anyone.
Jak Jones: The long format in snooker suits me
Despite not reaching a semi-final yet since reaching the final of the Crucible, Jones reached the quarter-finals of the British Open and posted a maximum break at the Championship League in Leicester.
During that competition he broke the record for most century breaks ever made in a single tournament. This form doesn’t diminish his optimism, as he believes the long format of the Crucible suits his style of play.
Jones added: “Maybe I’m saving it all for the World Championship – a one-tournament wonder! It probably sounds crazy, but I feel more confident winning the World Championship than any tournament on the tour.
“The longer formats like the Worlds suit me down to the ground. And what happened last year has given me the belief I’m a top player, and I deserve to be at the top.”
