Barry Hawkins staged an incredible comeback to defeat Mark Allen 6-5 in the UK Championship semi-finals, securing his spot in the final against Judd Trump. The match concluded in dramatic fashion early Sunday morning after a tense final-frame decider.
Hawkins, 45, showed resilience throughout, overcoming reigning champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the opening round and battling from 4-2 and 5-4 deficits against Allen. Breaks of 57, 84, and a remarkable 114 helped him clinch victory in the 11th frame, earning him a place in his first UK final.
“I am absolutely knackered. It was ridiculous, so hard from start to finish. I feel drained,” Hawkins told BBC Sport after the match.
Trump vs. Wilson: A Revenge Story
In the other semi-final, Judd Trump defeated world champion Kyren Wilson 6-2, avenging earlier losses to Wilson in the Xi’an Grand Prix and Northern Ireland Open finals this season. Despite a shaky start, Trump found his form, winning six consecutive frames after trailing 2-0.
A 43rd century of the season marked his comeback, alongside a run of 65 and a final century break to seal his place in the final. Trump acknowledged Wilson’s strong start but capitalized on his opponent’s errors.
“He missed a couple of pots with the rest, which he doesn’t normally miss, and it changed the game,” Trump said.
Hawkins’ Journey to the Final
Hawkins’ path to the final has been extraordinary. Coming through the qualifiers, he defeated some of the tournament’s top players, including O’Sullivan and Allen. His performance under pressure demonstrates his determination to claim his first UK Championship title.
Table Conditions Controversy
The semi-finals were not without controversy, as both Trump and Wilson raised concerns about table conditions. Wilson criticized the tables, claiming they “drifted to the right,” impacting gameplay.
“When you lose faith in the table, you start to question your technique and play different shots,” Wilson said.
Trump echoed these sentiments, citing issues with the table setup affecting key shots. World Snooker responded, emphasizing their commitment to high standards but encouraged players to provide feedback to improve conditions.
What to Expect in the Final
The stage is set for a thrilling final between Barry Hawkins and Judd Trump. Trump enters as the world number one, while Hawkins looks to continue his Cinderella story and secure one of the biggest victories of his career.
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