Like Jones has paid an emotional tribute to his family after winning his first career Champions League ranking title.
The Welshman has been to a World Championship final but never lifted his professional trophy until Wednesday night in Leicester.
The 32-year-old beat Dave Gilbert 3-2 in the final after falling behind twice to Angry Farmer but fought back in a dramatic short-form contest.
Still young in snooker terms, but it’s been a long journey for Jones, who first turned pro as a teenager in 2010.
The £33,000 Champions League top prize represents a minor World Ranking event Snooker Tournament, but it’s a ticked box and a weight off the shoulders for the man from Cwmbran.
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Speaking after the tense win, he said: “It feels unreal, to be honest. I probably felt more nervous there than I did at the World Finals, so it’s really crazy. Maybe the smallest ranking event, but I’ll take it.
“I’ve just been stuck in there, I don’t think I’ve ever made it past my first group in this tournament. To win this year, it’s great.
“I know it’s probably the smallest ranking event, but it’s still a monkey off my back, if you know what I mean. I’m not really going to think, I’ve got to win a ranking event, so it’s nice to get that out of the way.’
Jones had heartfelt words for his family after the win, with his parents especially thanked for their support throughout his career thus far.
“It’s good for my wife, my son, who support me so much. I can’t wait to go home to them. Also for my parents who have spent 15 years watching me lose all the time, so it’s good to win one for them.’
Jones only got through his first group, finishing with four points from three games but leading the table on goal difference.
His second stage group was tough, but impressive wins over Chang Bingyu and Marco Fu saw him progress.
The final group saw him defeat Hossein Vafaein and Dylan Emery and draw with Zhang Anda to secure his place in the final with Gilbert.
As for the Englishman, he came very close to becoming the first player to win the ranking version of this event twice, but will have to settle for the runner-up prize of £23,000.
It has been a good start to the season for Gilbert, who had testing groups, with Chris Wakelin, Ali Carter and He Guoqiang second.
The 45-year-old then went unbeaten into his third set with Noppon Saengkham, Elliot Slessor and Lei Peifan, but just fell short against Jones.
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