Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Mark Williams shook off the problem of David Gilbert – and the attentions of a persistent wasp – to win his Masters first-round match 6-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The world No 7 started in ominous trend, hitting back-to-back century breaks to begin the match and including an extra run of 95 to lead 4-0 at the interval. Gilbert, handed a wild-card place after the suspension of Yan Bingtao, rallied on the resumption by successful the subsequent two frames in succession.
Gilbert appeared heading in the right direction to minimize the hole to 4-3 however missed a few golden possibilities within the subsequent, permitting Williams to reassert management at 5-2. Again Gilbert rallied, taking a 63-point lead within the subsequent body with Williams chipping away at the deficit earlier than the insect interloper sparked havoc.
The referee, Marcel Eckardt, briefly suspended the body as each he and a flailing Williams tried in useless to take away it from the enjoying area. The wasp briefly landed on a digicam operator earlier than flying again into the rafters, and Williams regrouped to clear the desk, successful the body after Gilbert had missed the yellow.
“I thought it was gonna sting my nuts at one stage!” joked Williams afterwards. It’s not the primary time the so-called ‘Ally Pally Wasp’ has triggered disruption – the bugs made an look at December’s world darts championships, whereas snooker referee Ben Williams was stung by a wasp at the 2020 Masters.
Williams’ victory units up a quarter-final along with his fellow former champion, Ronnie O’Sullivan. “There’ll be two and a half thousand people here, about three of them wanting me to win!” the Welshman added. “But I’m playing well, and I’m not a pushover for anyone. It’s unbelievable how I’m still at the top of the game, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
In the afternoon match, Barry Hawkins whitewashed Mark Allen 6-0 to proceed the previous winner’s depressing current run within the occasion.
Allen has not gained a Masters match since lifting the title in 2018 and managed a excessive break of simply 45 towards fellow left-hander Hawkins, runner-up to Neil Robertson 12 months in the past, who will face both Judd Trump or Ryan Day within the quarter-finals.
Hawkins, the world No 13, recovered from a 55-0 deficit within the opening body to win it on the colors, with breaks of 76 and 114 then extending his benefit. Allen edged forward in a scrappy fourth body solely to overcut the brown, Hawkins clearing up to lead 4-0 at the mid-session interval.
Allen recovered from 6-1 down to beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in November’s UK Championship last in November, however there was no means again for “The Pistol” right here. Hawkins resumed with breaks of 45 and 41 to lead 5-0 earlier than shortly wrapping up victory and telling the BBC: “The result flattered me a little bit.”
“I kept Mark under pressure and I didn’t do that much wrong – very few easy unforced errors – and I think that’s made the difference in the end,” Hawkins added, placing his sturdy show down to loads of apply over Christmas. “I knew this tournament was coming up, and this is not a place you want to be underprepared.”
Allen was fast to give credit score to Hawkins, telling Eurosport: “I probably should have won the first frame and had a couple of chances in frame four, other than that, I thought he was phenomenal.
“I said to him at the end, it’s probably one of the best safety performances I’ve ever played against as a pro. Granted I missed a few balls as well, but you just have to credit Barry, he just froze me out. It was a phenomenal performance.”
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