THE FINAL IS HERE! Selby vs Jones — One Trophy, £100,000 and Snooker Immortality
The stage is set for a fascinating showdown at the 2026 British Open final in Cheltenham, where four-time world champion Mark Selby will meet Welshman Jack Jones in a best-of-19-frame battle. The winner will be the first player to reach 10 frames and claim the prestigious £100,000 top prize, while the runner-up will take home £45,000.
For Selby, this final represents another milestone in an already remarkable career. The 43-year-old Englishman has now reached the 40th ranking final of his career, underlining his extraordinary consistency at the highest level of snooker. With 26 ranking titles already to his name, Selby is chasing yet another trophy and another opportunity to strengthen his position among the sport’s all-time greats.
Standing in his way is 33-year-old Welshman Jack Jones, who is appearing in the third ranking final of his career. Jones has already demonstrated that he can perform on the biggest stages. He reached the 2024 World Championship final and, earlier this season, captured the Championship League title. Another victory here would be a major statement and could propel him further up the world rankings.
History, however, strongly favors Selby. The Englishman leads their head-to-head record 3–0, including a commanding 10–2 victory in their most recent meeting in the last 16 of the 2026 World Championship.
The final also carries major ranking implications. Selby has climbed to world No. 2, a position he will retain regardless of the result. Jones has risen from 31st to 26th and would move to 22nd if he lifts the trophy.
Two sessions, one trophy, and everything to play for — Selby vs Jones is set to deliver a dramatic British Open finale.
