“Go for everything and get them.”
Ron Jones
Introduction
On April 16th, 2024, snooker lost one of the true legends of Welsh snooker, Ron Jones. Jones was as grassroots as they came—a true gentleman of the amateur game who is very nifty on the green base. The media shines the spotlight on the professional game. Still, it is so important to remember the many players who made a name for themselves in the beating heart of snooker and the bridge that paves the way to the professional path. The amateur circuit is the training ground where heartbreak and glory burn bright, and Ron was a stalwart of this movement for so many years.
A Leading Light
Mention Ron’s name, and you will not only receive a beaming smile but also a flood of fond memories. Hard as Welsh granite on the table, the player affectionately known as ‘Jammy’ was just a nice guy on and off the table. Playing at the same as another familiar name, Nigel Organ, Ron wore his red waistcoat with pride and had plenty to write home about. He won the Welsh Amateur Championship twice (1990 and 1992) and made the final four more times (1988, 1994, 1996 and 1998).
In 1986, he got to the semi-finals of the Pontins Spring Open, beating John Spencer along the way. He also had some international success, getting to the Last 16 and Quarter-finals of the World Amateur Championship a couple of times in the 80s and 90s, losing to James Wattana, Tai Pichit and Graeme Dott.
In the 2000s, he entered the Seniors events and won the Welsh Seniors title at least three times (2002, 2004 and 2005), plus the European Seniors title twice (2002 and 2003).
This Welsh great from Rhymney may not have played in the splendour and had the luxury tables that some now enjoy, winning in working men clubs and Welsh holiday camps like Pontin’s Brean Sands Holiday Centre, where he only won £1,000 and a £ 250 holiday voucher for winning the Pontin’s Over-40s Open. However, a win is a win, and in the amateur game, those victories are precious. He played with Welsh pride and probably a pint of mild to accompany it. Ron was cast from the same mould as Griffiths, Wilson, Mountjoy and Reardon, hard as nails and who put their opponent’s head in a torturous dustbin. He played the game correctly and made the Welsh dragon breathe fire into its deep-set roots. Jones inspired many to pick up a cue and play draped in the flag of the country they love and are proud to be associated with. Respected and truly missed.
