Barry Hawkins, a seasoned snooker player, is determined to secure his first Triple Crown title at the upcoming UK Championship. The 46-year-old professional has faced significant challenges in achieving this goal, notably losing four previous finals. His latest setback occurred last year at the UK Championship, where he narrowly fell to Judd Trump with a score of 10-8 at the Barbican Centre in York.
Hawkins Reflects on Career Regrets
Hawkins expressed that not winning a Triple Crown event would be a source of regret as his career progresses. He acknowledged the tough competition he faces, especially against world-class players.
- Lost to Judd Trump at the 2022 UK Championship.
- Defeated by Ronnie O’Sullivan in the 2013 World Championship final.
- Overwhelmed by O’Sullivan again in the 2016 Masters final.
- Fell short against Neil Robertson in the 2022 Masters.
Hawkins’ Journey at the UK Championship
Historically, Hawkins struggled at this venue, making just one quarter-final appearance in 2013 over 12 participations. However, recent years have seen a marked improvement:
- Reached the semi-finals in 2021, losing to Zhao Xintong.
- Made a strong run in 2022 but was edged out in the final stages.
As he prepares to face David Lilley in his opening match, Hawkins is in high spirits about competing in York. “It’s just a nice place to be. It’s probably one of the few places in the UK where I wouldn’t mind living,” he remarked, appreciating the charm of York and its Christmas markets.
Recent Performance and Preparations
In the lead-up to the UK Championship, Hawkins has been refining his skills. He recently competed in the Crucible Cup but lost 6-3 to John Higgins. Despite the defeat, he found value in the match practice. “I’m trying to get the hours under the belt leading up to the UK,” he explained.
Hawkins has made it clear that his goal remains focused on seizing opportunities. He hopes to finally claim a significant title before concluding his career, acknowledging that time is running short.
Conclusion
As Hawkins enters the UK Championship this week, the pressure mounts. A first Triple Crown victory remains tantalizingly within reach, promising a thrilling contest at one of snooker’s premier events.
