Jak Jones Claims Maiden Ranking Title with BetVictor Championship League Triumph
Jak Jones has won the first ranking event of the 2026/27 season after defeating David Gilbert 3-2 in a dramatic BetVictor Championship League final at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.
The Welshman produced a composed performance under pressure, recovering from 2-1 down to lift the first professional ranking title of his career and collect the £33,000 winner’s prize.
A breakthrough moment
Jones’ route to the title was anything but straightforward. Having successfully navigated all three group stages of the 21-day tournament, he booked his place in the final with a series of impressive performances before facing former Championship League winner David Gilbert.
Gilbert made the stronger start to the final, opening with a superb century break of 104 before Jones responded with a break of 64 to level the match. Gilbert regained the advantage with a break of 66 to move 2-1 ahead, leaving Jones needing a response to keep his title hopes alive.
The Welshman delivered exactly that, producing a brilliant 86 break to force a deciding frame. In a tense final frame, Jones capitalised on his opportunities to complete a memorable comeback and secure a 3-2 victory.
Reward for perseverance
The title represents a significant milestone in Jones’ career. Since turning professional in 2010, the 32-year-old has established himself as one of the game’s most determined competitors, with his biggest breakthrough coming in 2024 when he reached the World Snooker Championship final.
Despite enduring a challenging spell over the past two seasons, Jones has started the new campaign in the best possible fashion, claiming the first ranking title of his career and adding his name to the Championship League roll of honour.
The victory also earns Jones:
- His first professional ranking title
- £33,000 in prize money
- Qualification for the 2026 Champion of Champions
- A rise to 29th in the world rankings
- Top spot in the One-Year Rankings after the opening ranking event of the season
Gilbert enjoys another impressive campaign
David Gilbert once again demonstrated his quality throughout the Championship League, reaching the final with a string of excellent performances.
The 2021 Championship League winner compiled nine century breaks across the tournament, the most of any player, before narrowly missing out on a second title. His runner-up finish earns him £23,000 and provides another strong start to the new season.
A promising start to the 2026/27 season
The BetVictor Championship League has once again delivered three weeks of high-quality snooker, dramatic finishes and breakthrough performances. From Si Jiahui’s spectacular maximum break and Dylan Emery’s impressive run to the final stage, to the consistency shown by Hossein Vafaei and Lei Peifan, the tournament provided plenty of memorable moments.
However, it was Jak Jones who ultimately emerged victorious, lifting the first ranking trophy of his career and making an early statement in the race for silverware this season.
With the opening ranking event now complete, attention turns to the rest of the 2026/27 campaign as players continue their pursuit of ranking titles, qualification places and valuable world ranking points.
