The Englishman came into the tournament under the radar after an underwhelming campaign, during which he has dealt with challenging family issues away from the table.
However, he proved a deserved winner of the £500,000 top prize after producing arguably the best snooker of his career over the 17-day event.
It also provided him with a moment of redemption in what is regarded as the sport’s ultimate test, after his 18-8 defeat by Ronnie O’Sullivan in his only previous World Championship final in 2020.
While there was no fairytale conclusion for Jones, the quiet Welshman – who came into the tournament as a 200-1 outsider – has won plenty of admirers for his superb matchplay and wonderful temperament.
Jones was only the ninth qualifier in 47 years at the Crucible to reach the final and was within touching distance of emulating his compatriot Terry Griffiths, in 1979, and Shaun Murphy, in 2005, in going all the way to win the title.
“It’s been an unbelievable tournament for me. About a month ago I was twitching in my first qualifying match. It’s been a long month but I’m happy with it,” he said.
“I am proud because I don’t think I have played that well, so to beat some of the best players in the world and get to a final – and so close to winning – gives me confidence.”
And there will also be a place for him alongside the game’s elite when the rankings are revised this month, with Jones climbing from 44th to 14th in the world as a result of his stunning journey to the final – which saw him come through two qualification matches and spend 22 hours longer in action than his opponent.
