HAWK FEARS A NIGHT OWL
STEPHEN MAGUIRE has cut down on the nights out in a bid for Crucible glory – according to his next opponent Barry Hawkins.
‘The Hawk’ continued his recent run of form at the Betfred World Championship by reaching another quarter-final – a fifth in a row.
Kent’s Hawkins has also been to a final and two semi-finals in Sheffield, but now faces the Scottish qualifier.
World No.24 Maguire was tipped by Ronnie O’Sullivan to dominate the game back in 2004 – but he is still chasing a first world title.
Hawkins (below), who beat another Scot Graeme Dott 13-6, insists his rival has learned from his mistakes after years of “abusing himself” on tour.
He said: “I am surprised Stephen hasn’t gone on to better things, but he‘d be the first person to admit the last few years he has abused himself a bit.
“We all like a drink, but he has probably not put the work in as much as he should and enjoyed himself a bit more. The game doesn’t forgive you if you take the Mick out of it.
“But he knows that now and is getting the rewards. I know exactly how good he is – everyone does.”
Defending champion Mark Selby ominously insisted there is more to come from him after easing into the quarter-finals.
The world No.1, who saw off China’s Xiao Guodong 13-6, said: “I don’t feel as if I have peaked yet in this tournament – but that is a good thing.”