Jak Jones was condemned for ignoring ‘no-brainer’ after the worst start to a snooker final in 33 years.
Welsh qualifier Jones had the worst start since Jimmy White struggled against John Parrott in 1991 as pre-match favorite Kyren Wilson won the first session 7-1 at the Crucible in Sheffield, winning the first seven straight. At least the 30-year-old, who was competing in his first-ever ranking final, won the eighth frame with a break of 65 and celebrated by throwing a sarcastic fist into the air.
But six-time world champion Steve Davis, who was perplexed that Jones didn’t visit the practice table while Wilson dominated, criticized Jones’ performance. “For four frames, he has been seated in his chair. Davis questioned incredulously on the BBC, “Why would you not go to the practice table?”
“Why not, I’m not sure. He hasn’t even broken out of the blocks yet, and he anticipates potting some potentially challenging shots. I see no reason not to visit the practice table.”
During Sunday’s opening session, Ken Doherty, a different former world champion, expressed greater sympathy for Jones, stating, “I feel terribly sorry for him at the moment; he looks bereft of confidence, cutting a very lonely figure out there.”
And because you have such high expectations, it might occasionally become awkward. All he’s done is not perform. In headlights, he resembles a rabbit somewhat. A frame is necessary for him. Just one frame from this particular session. He can take something away from this, at least. However, he currently appears to be a lost sheep.”
Wilson, on the other hand, had an incredible start to the Crucible final, having made the first century break in the opening over since Stephen Hendry smashed a massive 136 against White in 1993. Wilson then cleared 129 to seize total command, with subsequent breaks of 52, 66, 62, 90, and yet another century.
There were already talks about whether the best-of-35 match would go to the final session on Monday night. However, Jones staged an incredible comeback, winning the nighttime session and earning an 11-6 score the next day.
Having placed runner-up at the 2018 Masters, Wilson will be looking to exact revenge on Ronnie O’Sullivan after losing to him in the 2020 championship match.