Hawkins clinches surprise win

Barry Hawkins secured his place in the last four of the Welsh Open in Newport after a shock win against Peter Ebdon today.

In his own words, Hawkins produced “an Alex Higgins break” to tip the balance of his quarter-final.

The world number 43, from Sydenham in south London, secured his debut in the last four of a world ranking tournament with the 5-3 victory that hinged on the seventh frame.

Having trailed 3-0, a typically resolute Ebdon fought back to 3-3 and looked to have momentum on his side.

It was then that left-hander Hawkins produced a break he later described as “the best of my life, without a doubt.”

When former world champion Ebdon took on and misjudged an extremely risky plant using the rest, Hawkins put together a run of 53 that included a series of top quality pots to regain the advantage.

“It was an Alex Higgins job,” said Hawkins, referring to the Hurricane’s famed Crucible clearance on the way to dramatically edging past Jimmy White 16-15 in the semi-finals of the 1982 Embassy World Championship.

“I just kept going out of position and digging myself out of position. Even at 3-3 I felt quite calm but I couldn’t believe how many difficult balls I knocked in to keep the break going.”

Hawkins’ break not only won him the frame but also turned the tide and shortly afterwards he put together a run of 68 to repeat his 5-3 win over Ebdon in the second round of the British Open in November. It was his third victory over Ebdon in as many meetings.

He added: “I’ve always struggled with belief in myself. That’s been my biggest problem but this season I’ve started travelling around with Terry Burke.

“He’s a good friend and an ex-player. He knows the game really well and he’s a massive help.”

Hawkins, who turned professional in 1996, is now looking forward to his first semi-final and is determined to revel in the occasion.

“Hopefully I can put in a good performance and do myself justice. Everything is a bonus now,” he said.