Snooker: Jak Jones stuns Mark Selby to win British Open

Snooker's British Open has provided us with plenty of intrigue during the past week, but the tournament saved it's best for last. The final between Mark Selby and Jak Jones was expected to be a walk in the park for the former, given he had the edge over Jones in ranking titles 26-1.

However, Jones' 2026 has started with a bang, with his maiden title coming in this year's Championship league. Spurred on by yesterday's semi-final victory over Judd Trump, the day session earlier today featured 4 leads for the Welshman, although Selby equalized every single time. 4-4 going into the break.

It was more of the same to begin with, the players trading frames to start out their evening bout. However, for the first time in the match, Jones' broke the streak in the 12th frame to go two frames clear at 5-7 thanks to an amazing steal from 65-0 down.

Selby gathered himself quickly to narrow the gap back to one, but in frame 14 he was left to rue a missed rest shot on the black, which was under-hit in slightly embarassing fashion. The ball rolled slowly to a halt before the pocket, and Jones eagerly potted away his opportunity for another 2-frame lead.

That miss may have impacted Selby's confidence a bit, as he squandered an albeit harder opportunity to make a break in the next frame. Jones yet again managed to make just enough of a gap at 70-5 to seal the frame, although Selby did get to the table to attempt 4 snookers - he got 1, which was not enough.

With just a single frame separating him for his career's and 2026's second ranking title, Jones got an opportunity to make a break on the black. He managed to get a solid lead, but couldn't finish Selby off - never an easy task. "The Jester from Leicester" managed to get up to 47-49, but a miss cut the steal short.

A safety battle ensued, and there aren't many better than Selby at those at crunch time. The Englishman managed to get an opportunity, but was forced into a safety which Jones fluffed completely - free ball for Selby. The balls were there to clear, but with the first free balls on the top rail it would take some effort.

His attempt fell short with a miss on the green, and Jones was in with a chance. A beautiful albeit short break sealed the title for Jones.

- I can't believe it to be honest, never thought I'd be able to grind Mark Selby down, but today I did it. I haven't really felt comfortable all day, just feeling bad until the end, Jones told TNT Sports.

- It's been difficult for the last 15 years I've been battling away, especially for my family. It's unbelievable because I've achieved a lot in the game, but starting to win things this season just feels amazing, the 33-year old finished.

Selby was gracious in defeat:

- Every time he had a chance, he looked like he was going to score, I've got no complaints, the better player won today. I've had a great start to the season I can't complain.

The snooker season is showing no signs of slowing down, with the English Open beginning tomorrow.

Below you can find all the results from snooker's British Open.













Source: TNT Sports