Jak Jones has claimed the first ranking title of the new snooker season with a decisive final victory over David Gilbert.
The Welshman described the win as a relief, noting he had never previously advanced past the opening group in the tournament.
Jones acknowledged the event may be the smallest ranking competition but said the triumph removes a lingering burden.
He credited his family for their unwavering support, thanking his wife, son, and parents for standing by him through 15 years of losses.
Jones advanced from his first group on frame difference, finishing with four points from three matches.
He then secured progression from a difficult second group with wins over Chang Bingyu and Marco Fu.
In the final group, Jones beat Hossein Vafaei and Dylan Emery and drew with Zhang Anda to reach the title match.
Gilbert narrowly missed becoming the first two-time ranking winner of the event, settling for the runner-up prize of £23,000.
The Englishman navigated a challenging second group featuring Chris Wakelin, Ali Carter, and He Guoqiang.
At 45, Gilbert remained unbeaten in his third group against Noppon Saengkham, Elliot Slessor, and Lei Peifan before losing the final.
