Hawkins impresses ex-champ
Snooker
Former world champion Graeme Dott tipped Ditton’s Barry Hawkins to go all the way after the pair met in this year’s championships. Hawkins beat Dott 13- 6 on Monday to set up a last-eight clash with Stephen Maguire which was due to finish last night (Wednesday) – and Dott reckoned the Hawk could go one better than in 2013, when he finished runner-up to Ronnie O’Sullivan. Dott, the 2006 winner, said: “I said to Barry at the end there is no reason why you can’t win it. “He is ideal for the Crucible. I know everybody talks about Judd Trump being due to win it but Barry’s game is ideal for what you need here. “His safety is fantastic, his long potting, especially from the cushions, is ridiculous. He just doesn’t miss any long red. He’s got an all-round perfect game.” Hawkins’ display against Dott was ruthlessly efficient. Dott had chances in the first frame but it was quickly one-way traffic and Hawkins wrapped it up impressively. “I am delighted to finish off quickly, I nicked a massive frame in the second session to go 10- 6 up but overall I am pleased,” said Hawkins. “I was not on top form but I was solid in most departments and mentally I was strong. “I am glad it is over, it is always nerve-wracking. You always want to finish a match off as quickly as possible. “It is a long tournament and in years gone by I have had some gruelling matches in the last-16 and quarter-finals and it takes it out of you. “I was expecting Graeme to come out all guns blazing but overall I think I kept him cold and away from the table most of the time.” Watch the Snooker World Championship Live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player, with Colin Murray and analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.