Hawkins tied with O'Sullivan but dodged opponent he didn't want at UK Championship.

This Saturday, snooker fans are in for a treat as the UK Championship kicks off with a highly-anticipated opening round match between Barry Hawkins and Ronnie O'Sullivan. As the defending champion and one of the favorites to win this year's tournament, O'Sullivan will face a tough challenge in the form of Hawkins, who has been handed a particularly tough draw.

While many players would dread facing O'Sullivan, Hawkins had his sights set on avoiding another formidable opponent, Mark Selby. The two have a history, having faced each other in the 2013 World Championship final, and Hawkins was not eager to relive the experience. Last year, they even shared an apartment while playing in the tournament, which made for an awkward atmosphere leading up to their match. So, Hawkins was relieved not to have drawn his good friend this time around.

Speaking of draws, the opening round in York is full of exciting matchups, with Selby facing off against Jack Lisowski. Hawkins, on the other hand, had to come through qualifying to secure his spot in the tournament, beating Alfie Burden and Wang Yuchen. He joins a strong group of qualifiers, including big names like Neil Robertson, Stephen Maguire, Stuart Bingham, and Zhao Xintong.

Hawkins is no stranger to the top 16, having spent many years in this elite group of players. However, this season he has slipped down to number 20 and had to battle his way through qualifying. Despite the tough competition, he is feeling confident in his form and believes a deep run in the tournament is on the horizon.

The level of play in snooker has certainly risen in recent years, with a new generation of talented players emerging. Hawkins acknowledges this, particularly with the rise of young Chinese players who have a seemingly natural ability to pot balls from anywhere on the table. As he gets older, Hawkins admits that doubts can creep in, but he remains determined to push through and continue competing at a high level.

Looking back at his previous performances, Hawkins doesn't believe he has done much wrong, but he acknowledges that there is always room for improvement. He remains focused on reaching those key moments in a match and having the confidence to perform under pressure. With his game "bubbling" and feeling more consistent, Hawkins is hopeful that he can make a strong showing in this year's UK Championship.

The stage is set for a thrilling match between Hawkins and O'Sullivan, who will kick off the tournament in York on Saturday. Snooker fans can expect a competitive and high-quality game between these two skilled players.

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