Barry Hawkins has made an incredible entry into the world of professional snooker by securing his position in the UK Championship final, emerging victorious against Mark Allen with a narrow 6-5 win. Their match, filled with tension and excitement, concluded with a dramatic finish at the Barbican, long after midnight, at 00:58 UK time. Hawkins, aged 45, demonstrated remarkable resilience, battling back from a 4-2 deficit to claim four out of the last five frames. This victory marks a major milestone for Hawkins as it is his first time advancing to a UK Championship final.
The challenge of the late-night match meant that Hawkins had little time to rest, with the final scheduled just under 12 hours later, beginning at 13:00. The match itself was fraught with tension, featuring numerous strategic moves and nail-biting moments. Hawkins started strong but was soon faced with a challenging situation after he missed a crucial red ball despite holding a 40-point advantage. This lapse allowed Allen to re-enter the match, leading to a lengthy safety battle. Eventually, the marathon frame—which lasted an astonishing 55 minutes—was claimed by Hawkins after Allen narrowly missed a significant brown ball, setting a precedent for the tense night that lay ahead.
As the match progressed, tactical play remained essential, particularly in the second frame, which again hinged on the colors. This time, Allen was more precise and contributed an elegant pot on the brown to get his score on the board. However, winning frames wasn’t straightforward for either competitor. In frame three, Allen had a chance to extend his lead but fell victim to a missed red, allowing Hawkins to capitalize on the opportunity with his impressive safety game, ultimately winning the frame.
Despite his earlier triumph, Allen found his rhythm again in frame four. Building a break of 50, he demonstrated patience and precision, which was briefly interrupted when he missed a chance on the yellow ball. This miscued opportunity enabled Hawkins to contribute effectively, but Allen ended up leveling the match at 2-2 during the interval. Seeking his 12th ranking title fueled Allen’s intensity, leading him to take the lead for the first time with a solid 64 break in the fifth frame. A thrilling pot on the last red of the frame highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, pulling the match beyond the three-hour mark.
As both players struggled through fatigue, Hawkins attempted to regain control, executing an effective break of 57 within 15 minutes, showcasing a return to form. Following this, he scored an impressive 84 in the next frame to level the match at 4-4. The ninth frame saw an unusual moment where a weary-looking Allen appeared to suggest a re-rack despite having an advantage in baulk. Nonetheless, he managed to secure a break of 40, allowing him to lead again at 5-4.
Their contest was destined to culminate in a decisive frame, and indeed it did. Hawkins rose to the occasion, delivering a spectacular century break of 114 to secure his place in the final. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, both players displaying a mix of brilliance and misfortunes throughout the intense encounter. The final frame, tied at 44-44, presented Hawkins with a critical opportunity. Remaining composed under immense pressure, he executed a stunning long red followed by a series of precise color pots, thereby clinching his hard-fought win.
Hawkins’ triumph is particularly significant as he previously stunned world No. 2, Judd Trump, in August 2023. The anticipation now builds for his showdown in the final where he aims to achieve another impressive upset. The snooker community will be eagerly watching as this captivating event unfolds, showcasing the best of snooker action live on platforms such as Webpressnews and discovery+.
