Snooker veteran Hawkins ready to take on challenges at World Open

Barry HawkinsSnooker veteran Barry Hawkins is set to compete in the upcoming World Open, which will take place from Sunday to March 1 in Yushan, East China’s Jiangxi Province. Speaking of traveling such a long distance to compete in China, Hawkins expressed his appreciation for the support he has received in the country.”I’m not the biggest fan of long flights, but when I get there, I really enjoy the place. The Chinese fans are amazing, and the promoters and sponsors look after all the players very well,” the Englishman told the Global Times.The World Open holds a special place in Hawkins’ career, as he has participated in the tournament multiple times. He said participating in the World Open has also helped him witness the rapid development of Yushan. “Every year, I can see the town or the city improve. It’s a very clean city, and the venue is fantastic,” he said. “The setup is amazing, with the tables really close to the spectators. It makes a great atmosphere and inspires the players to perform well,” added Hawkins. Known for his resilience and consistency, 45-year-old Hawkins enters the tournament with a wealth of experience and determination.  While he has enjoyed significant success, including deep runs at the World Championship and multiple finals appearances, recent years have seen him face challenges. “The experience I’ve had in the past stands me in good stead. I know if I play like I have for most of the season, I can have a good run,” he said. “But there’s no guarantees in this sport.”Despite a first-round exit in the last three World Championships, Hawkins remains optimistic. Reflecting on his season so far, he said he overall likes the direction in which he is heading. “I can’t complain about where the season is going. Two finals and a lot of deep runs in other tournaments show I’ve been really consistent,” he told reporters.His heartbreak at the 2025 German Masters finals, where he narrowly lost to Judd Trump, has only fueled his desire to keep pushing forward.As one of the older players on the tour, Hawkins is well aware of the challenges posed by the next generation of snooker talent. “Every player is my biggest challenge,” he said. “There are no weak players anymore. You need to be playing well, or you get beat and go home.” His strategy for success hinges on maintaining a strong all-around game. “If every part is working really well, especially for me, then I give myself a chance,” he said. “Sometimes my scoring lets me down a bit, but if it’s working well, I’ve always got a decent safety game.”Hawkins also emphasized the importance of mental and physical preparation in handling the pressures of a tight tournament schedule. “I try to get into the gym or go for a walk to relieve stress,” he noted. “It helps me relax and puts me in a calmer state.”