Hawkins out after collapse

Ditton player Barry Hawkins admitted he was furious with the game after a dramatic loss in the second round of the UK Snooker Championship.

The 35-year-old collapsed at the York Barbican, throwing away a 5- 0 lead over Nigel Bond – a player 55 places below him in the rankings.

The 6- 5 defeat is a continuation of Hawkins’ poor form at the tournament, where the world No.5 has only made the third round three times.

Hawkins became the second high-profile exit in the second round after world champion Mark Selby was beaten by Ireland’s David Morris.

Hawkins appeared to be cruising before his game disintegrated after missing a regulation green in the sixth frame.

He said: “I have just thrown it away. I have taken it too easy at 5- 0 up, missed a green and thought it was all over.

“After that, I struggled. My cueing went, my timing went and I thought Nigel was playing slow, just walking around the table.

“I couldn’t get any rhythm and fell asleep to be honest. I could not do anything and deserved what happened.

“I do not know why but I felt like a result like that was coming. I have not been playing well and I am just annoyed.

“I don’t know what it is. I can’t put my finger on it but a few of us are feeling it .

“Even at 5- 0 up I was not up for it. I was not even playing well and neither was Nigel. I just handed it him on a plate.”

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