2024 World Snooker Championship: Underdog Jak Jones Stuns 11st Seed Zhang Anda

In a thrilling encounter at the 2024 World Snooker Championships, Welsh qualifier Jak Jones showcased his prowess on the green baize, securing a remarkable victory over China's 11th seed, Zhang Anda, with a commanding score line of 10-4.

Ranked 44th in the world, Jones entered the match as the underdog but displayed nerves of steel as he navigated through the challenge presented by his higher-ranked opponent. Following his triumph, Jones expressed his elation at overcoming the pressure, stating, "We both probably suffered from nerves a bit, he missed a few balls and that can get on top of you but I'm just happy to get through."

Having fought through two qualifying rounds to earn his place in the main draw, Jones' victory marked the second upset of the tournament, following Luca Brecel's surprising defeat to David Gilbert. Jones' journey to the victory podium was anything but easy, as he grappled with the intensity of the competition amidst a scarcity of recent match practice. However, his resilience and determination shone through, paving the way for a memorable performance on the grand stage of the World Snooker Championships.

Image credit: WST

The encounter between Jones and Zhang unfolded over a gripping two-session battle, characterised by moments of intense strategic manoeuvring and captivating shot-making. Despite facing formidable resistance from Zhang, Jones managed to maintain his composure, clinching crucial frames to assert his dominance on the table.

Reflecting on his performance, Zhang acknowledged the pressure of being a seeded player but credited Jones for his exceptional display. "In the first session, I played terribly," remarked Zhang. "This is the first time as a seeded player, and I wanted to play well but I just put too much pressure on myself. Jak did not play bad, very good break building and everything was just better than me."