Hawkins hits maximum No 3 as he sees off Greene in round one
Barry Hawkins made the third 147 of his career in the first round of the Betway UK Championship yesterday..
Hawkins compiled a maximum break in the fourth frame of his match against Gerard Greene to move 4-0 ahead after earlier contributions of 91, 68 and 80. The left-hander will win £15,000 for the highest break of the tournament if no other player manages a maximum at the York Barbican.
Greene fought back to take the next two frames but Hawkins eventually ran out a 6-2 winner to secure his place in round two, where he will face either Alan Mcmanus or Elliot Slessor.
Two-time UK Championship winner Mark Selby also advanced to the last 64 with a 6-0 whitewash of Andy Hicks.
China’s Ding Junhui enjoyed a 6-2 win over Duane Jones, Hong Kong’s Marco Fu beat Craig Steadman 6-3 and Scotland’s Stephen Maguire beat Billy Joe Castle 6-4.
Maguire limped through his opening match in more ways than one.
The 38-year-old Glaswegian was permitted to wear trainers in his first-round tie with Billy Castle after fracturing his ankle in China and having endured a closely-fought tussle with the world No 115, eventually prevailed 6-4.
Now world No 14 Maguire is looking forward to getting plenty of rest before his next match at the weekend.
“It was tough,” he said. “My foot’s sore just now because I’ve spent a long time on my feet but it’s getting better.
“Billy beat me last time, so I knew he was a good player and he did well. I’m just glad to get that match over and done with.
“I can’t stretch too much or put pressure on it so whenever it comes to a shot where I have to lean over balls it gets awkward. But I’ve got a few days now to get rested and get ready for the next round. I’ve not had much time to practice but the UK Championship is massive.”
● Watch the UK Championship live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Ronnie O’sullivan.