Championship League: Jack Jones defeats David Gilbert to win first professional title

Jack Jones won his first career title with a 3-2 victory over David Gilbert in the 2026 Championship League final.

The 32-year-old, from Cwmbran, South Wales, turned professional in 2010, briefly missing out on the World Snooker Tour twice before becoming a mainstay from 2016.

His victory over England’s Gilbert, runner-up at the 2024 World Snooker Championship, ended a 16-year wait for a ranking title.

“It feels unreal, I was more nervous tonight than I’ve ever been in a world final,” Jones told World Snooker.

“That’s a monkey off my back and it’s good to get it out of the way.”

Jones captured the title two years ago as a qualifier, defeating former champions Stuart Bingham and Jude Trump en route to a crucible-final defeat against Kieran Wilson.

In Leicester he defeated Hossein Vafai and fellow Welshman Dylan Emery, as well as a draw against China’s Zhang Anda, before defeating Gilbert to collect the £33,000 top prize.

“It’s great for my wife and son who support me,” he added.

“And my parents have spent 15 years watching me lose, so it’s nice to win one for them.”

Jones’ win also earned him a spot at the Champion of Champions in November.