This is the first ranking title for a player with bundles of ability and a first class attitude to go with it.
His 9-3 against Peter Ebdon was not only his first ever final, but a masterclass in how to beat an opponent as stiff as The Force.
Barry's greatest asset is his scoring and attacking instinct, and he stuck by that whole-heartedly. He refused to let Ebdon smother him and took the match to him with great success.
It was obvious he couldn't let Peter slow down the match and dig his heels in so he stuck to his natural game - which can sometimes be difficult in the biggest matches - and earned great rewards.
Hawkins will hope this win will be the start of an excellent season. He should have regaining a place in the world's top 16 firmly in his sights. This win plus victory at the Sky Shootout in January proves he can deliver on the big occasions, and that confidence should set him in great shape.
I've never heard a bad word said about Hawkins. That makes this win even better. He's a player who has definitely put in the graft and deserves his title.
Just like when Stuart Bingham won his first title here a year ago, this is a massive moment and he has a big old trophy to match.
Well played Barry.
...and his potting was incredable, wasn't it?
ReplyDeleteJust think of the first frame after the break: some tough long reds - and he took them on and got the reward!!!
Nice to see, that attacking snooker survives every slomo-attemps!
It's always nice to see a new winner like the Hawk; doubly so that he's such a terrific person AND that he repudiated slow play.
DeleteGreat win for Hawkins.Good to see him getting the rewards for the work he has put in.
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