Barry Hawkins Wins First Ever Crucible Match

Barry Hawkins got his first Crucible win yesterday at the sixth time of asking as he send Stephen Maguire crashing out of the tournament.

It was Hawkins who made the better start to the match as he took the opening four games to lead 4-0.

And while Maguire did get on the board Hawkins lead 6-3 at the end of the first session - ten frames needed for the win.

Into the second session and Hawkins extended his lead to 8-4 and a victory looked all but certain for the world number twenty four.

But the Maguire dug deep to take the next four to level the match at 8-8 as Hawkins looked like he was beginning to falter.

But with break of thirty six and sixty two Hawkins edged ahead again before Maguire hit back once more to force a deciding frame.

And Hawkins finished in style as a break of ninety two saw him clinch his first ever victory in Sheffield.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Hawkins said: "To finally win a match here, it feels like I've won the World Championship.

"I need self-belief and this gives me a lot a confidence. I won't get carried away because it's only one match, but I'm excited to be in the next round."

Hawkins will now play either Mark Allen or Matthew Stevens for a place in the third round.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw