Welsh snooker star Jak Jones has revealed he was battling severe breathing difficulties during his heavy first-round exit at the World Snooker Championship, describing the experience as "absolutely shocking."
Jones, the 2024 runner-up, was comprehensively beaten 10-2 by four-time champion Mark Selby at The Crucible on Wednesday. In a candid post-match interview, the 32-year-old attributed his physical distress to asthma, which he says can escalate into panic attacks during competition.
"When you can't breathe, you can't be composed," Jones explained. "I feel pressure in my head and get headaches. It turns into a panic attack because I can't breathe and I want to just rip my shirt off."
He admitted feeling "one of the worst I've felt in a match" during the morning session, where he trailed 7-2. While Jones refused to blame his health for the defeat—conceding he "probably would've lost by the same scoreline"—he emphasized that the condition "just makes it harder."
The world number 19 disclosed that his asthma is the reason he opts not to wear the traditional bow tie while playing. Despite seeking medical advice, he has yet to find a solution that doesn't interfere with his performance, noting that medication can sometimes induce tremors.
This setback marks a disappointing start for Jones, who entered the tournament hoping to improve on his stunning run to the final two years ago. Reflecting on his preparation, he admitted, "My life away from the game has been a bit of a mess at times," and described his 2024 final appearance as "a bit of a miracle."
As Selby progresses comfortably to the last 16, Jones plans to return to intensive practice, determined to overcome the physical and mental hurdles that surfaced in Sheffield.