Hawkin’ for a title after five year wait
BARRY HAWKINS is desperate to scratch a five-year itch in today’s Players Championship final.
The Hawk’s last ranking crown came at the 2017 World Grand Prix.
And the world No.11 is determined to give a good account of himself after suffering heavy defeats in his last two showpieces.
He was hammed 11-3 by Mark Selby in the 2018 China Open final and 10-4 by Neil Robertson at last month’s Masters.
“It would be amazing to win a trophy after so long,” said Hawkins, 42.
“But I’ve been in this position before so I don’t want to get too carried away again.
“I just want to go out there and play the way I’m playing and put in a good performance.
“In the last couple of finals I’ve been in I’ve fallen away really and I want to avoid that.”
The former world No.4 suffered heartache in his quest for a maiden Triple Crown – World Championship, UK Championship or Masters – title at last month’s Masters.
It was his third attempt after losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan in the 2013 World final and 2016 Masters showpiece.
But resilient Hawkins has bounced back from that disappointment to put himself one win away from the £125,000 top prize this week.
The left-hander has beaten snooker’s newest stars Zhao Xintong and Yan Bingtao as well as resurgent Ricky Walden to reach the final at Wolverhampton’s Aldersley Arena.
And Hawkins added: “It’s amazing to be in another final.
“It’s the first proper event for me since that Masters final, I played a qualifier but the next big event, I’m in the final again.
“I’m over the moon, I’m pleased with how I feel and the way I’m playing.”