Eight-time and defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was knocked out of the UK Championship on the first day, losing 6-4 to Barry Hawkins in York. Hawkins won four consecutive frames from 4-2 down to secure only his third victory over O'Sullivan in 21 attempts.
Hawkins, 45, compiled four straight half-centuries to leave O'Sullivan stuck in his seat for three frames. 'I just think Barry played a good match and deserved his win,' said a disappointed O'Sullivan. 'He looked strong and took his chances. You just have to roll with it.'
O'Sullivan started strongly with two century breaks to lead 3-1, but Hawkins fought back. A moment of petulance from O'Sullivan, who smashed his fist on the table after missing a red, proved the turning point. Hawkins then produced breaks of 73, 75, and 88 to complete the turnaround.
'It's been eight years since I beat him so it's a massive win for me,' said Hawkins. 'So many times I've been in this position against him and I've just crumbled, but I didn't crumble today.'
In another match, Shaun Murphy edged a 6-5 win over former champion Zhao Xintong, who is returning from a two-year ban for involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Murphy credited his recent coaching with Peter Ebdon for giving him the edge.
