[3] Jin recorded the best ranking event finish of his career to date at the 2012 World Open, where he reached the last 16.

He was selected to play in the wildcard round, where he beat Sam Baird 5–3 to qualify for the last 32 and a match up with compatriot Ding Junhui.

Jin capitalised on his opponent's mistakes and won the match 5–1, but could not continue his run in the tournament in the next round as he lost 5–2 to Robert Milkins.

Jin played in the wildcard round of the Wuxi Classic and Shanghai Masters this season, losing 5–3 to Jamie Burnett in the former.

[6] This result was a major factor in him finishing 13th on the Order of Merit, high enough to receive a place on the main tour for the next two seasons.