Few would have predicted world number 44 Jak Jones as a Crucible semi-finalist a month ago, but the Welshman has defied the odds to make it to the hallowed single table setup.
He came into the event as a 150-1 outsider and is now two wins away from snooker's biggest prize, becoming Cazoo World Champion. Jones faces Stuart Bingham as the second semi-final gets underway this evening.
Here are a few facts you may not know about the Cwmbran cueman...
Jak Jones Fact File
One Of The Family
Jones has nine siblings, one sister and eight brothers. His parents Colin and Debbie have made great sacrifices to help him reach the pinnacle of the sport. His dad has travelled the globe to watch his son play and while his mum is a huge supporter, she gets too nervous to watch him compete in person.
A Chance Encounter
Jones may not have been playing snooker if it wasn't for a fortuitous turn of events while he was on holiday in Greece as a child.
Picking up a cue for the first time, Jones was playing pool when former Crucible semi-finalist Darren Morgan spotted him. Morgan was on his honeymoon at the time, but identified Jones' talent and encouraged him to start playing snooker.
Teenage Prodigy
Jones turned professional at the age of just 16 back in 2010. He earned his place on the World Snooker Tour by winning the European Under-19 Championship. He defeated Anthony McGill 6-4 in the final.
Return To The Circuit
Having dropped off the tour, Jones regained his professional status in 2016 by winning the European Amateur Championship. He defeated fellow Welshman Jamie Clarke by a 7-4 scoreline in the final.
Gibraltar Giant Killer
Jones made his maiden ranking event semi-final in 2022 at the Gibraltar Open. He defeated the likes of Luca Brecel, Neil Robertson and this evening's opponent Stuart Bingham to make the last four. Jones was beaten by eventual winner Robert Milkins.
Run To The Crucible Quarters
Jones also flourished at the Crucible last year on his debut at the venue. He beat Ali Carter and Neil Robertson to make the quarter-finals, where he suffered a 13-10 reverse at the hands of Mark Allen.
By again making the quarters this year, he is the first player to get that far in his first two trips to the Crucible since Matthew Stevens in 1998 and 1999.