Barry Hawkins

BIOG

Name: Barry Hawkins
Date of birth: April 23, 1979
Lives: Ditton, Kent
Turned pro: 1996
World ranking: 14
Best ranking performance: 2012 Australian Open winner
Highest tournament break: 147 (at a PTC in Sheffield, 2010)

TEN QUESTIONS

What make of cue do you use? A John Parris Classic, which I’ve had since I was 15. I’ve debated changing it, but there’s nothing wrong with it, it’s a good, solid cue.
How many 147 breaks have you made, in competition or practice? Like most pros, I’ve lost count of how many in practice. Only the one competition – the added pressure makes it so much more difficult. To do one in the World Championships is the dream.
Who is the best player you’ve ever played? Maybe Stephen Hendry, just for the amount he’s done in the game, but in my eyes it’s got to be Ronnie O’Sullivan. He’s just a joy to watch – although that’s not something you want to be doing too much when you’re playing him.
Who is the greatest player ever to pick up a snooker cue? Again Hendry has got to be up there, but I’d go for John Higgins because of what he’s done in the modern era. When Hendry was dominating there wasn’t the same depth of talent there is these days, yet Higgins is still here winning and doesn’t look like easing up any time soon. His determination, confidence and technique are to be admired.
What is your favourite tournament venue? It’s got to be the Crucible, hasn’t it. Everything that comes with it is unbeatable, and it’s such a proud moment when you’re introduced to the crowd.
Best moment in snooker? Winning the Australia Open in 2012. I’d been trying for so long but never gave up, even though you do begin to doubt yourself when you’re hit by so many knock-backs. At least now I can always say I won a ranking title.
Worst moment in snooker? There are so many! One that sticks in the mind is losing in the semi-final of the China Open against Jamie Cope in 2007. I had one foot in my first final at 5-4 up with him needing snookers, but he got it back to 5-5 and then won on a re-spotted black. I somehow wobbled the black in the pocket and left it hanging there. How it didn’t drop, I still don’t know to this day. All he had to do was get out the long stuff for the easiest of shots to win.
What is your strongest trait as a player? I’m very solid in all departments, and that’s what I’m always working hard to maintain. I have a good temperament, too, I don’t let things bother me. That’s so important these days on the big stage.
What is your walk-on music, and why? At the moment it’s Beautiful People by Chris Brown, but I’m thinking of changing it soon. I’m not sure what yet, but something better!
Greatest match you’ve ever been involved in, win or lose? That’s a tough one. I lost 10-8 to Graeme Dott in the first round of the World Championship in 2009 after we’d both played really, really well, it was such a good standard of snooker. But it’s probably when I beat Stephen Maguire 10-9 at the Crucible in 2011. I’d lost every first-round match before so it was sixth-time lucky, and I finished it with one visit in the decider. It was a great feeling.

THREE THINGS

Three things you like? 1) Curry 2) Going out for a drink – which doesn’t happen that often these days! 3) Watching films. The best I’ve seen recently was Flight, with Denzel Washington
Three things you hate? 1) Lorries overtaking each other on the motorway 2) Snakes 3) Sushi
Three things you want? 1) Another baby 2) Pay off the mortgage 3) To win another tournament
Three things you regret? Only the one, really. My self-belief is so much better these days, but I regret not having had more confidence in myself a few years ago. I could possibly have done much better
Three things that need doing at home? 1) Spare room needs decorating 2) Garage needs tidying up 3) (Yells to wife, Tara, “What else do I need to do around the house?”) Oh yeah, the garden needs sorting out, among many other things!

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