Barry Hawkins’ recent triumph at the Welsh Open feels like a fading dream, overshadowed by a debilitating back injury that threatened to derail his momentum. The victory in Llandudno, a hard-fought battle against Jack Lisowski and a field including Mark Williams and Neil Robertson, now seems distant as he prepares for his return to competition.
Hawkins was on the verge of withdrawing from the Welsh Open entirely, crippled by pain. It was the encouragement of fellow professionals Robertson and Mark Selby, coupled with a reliance on pain medication, that allowed him to compete – and ultimately, to win. But the underlying issue persisted, forcing a painful withdrawal from the World Open in Yushan.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Hawkins admitted the win already feels like a distant memory, a strange sensation for a champion. He’d hoped to capitalize on the confidence boost in China, but his body simply wouldn’t allow it, leaving him feeling uncertain as he approaches the Tour Championship.
Diagnosed with a disc bulge, the pain has gradually subsided since reaching a frightening peak during the Welsh Open. Simple tasks, like getting out of bed or putting on shoes, were agonizing. Now, while not pain-free, Hawkins anticipates a future where morning discomfort is a thing of the past.
The celebrations following his Welsh Open victory were, perhaps, a little too enthusiastic. A modest gathering with friends quickly escalated into a tequila-fueled night, culminating in a rather abrupt end to the festivities. The resulting headache made the journey home from Llandudno particularly unpleasant.
Looking ahead, the Tour Championship in Manchester looms, followed by the prestigious World Championship at the Crucible. Hawkins’ relationship with the Crucible is a complex one, marked by periods of incredible success and frustrating early exits.
He recalls a remarkable six-year stretch where he consistently reached the one-table setup, making four semi-finals and even reaching the final. However, the last four years have brought a string of disappointing first-round defeats and even a failure to qualify, a stark contrast to his previous form.
Hawkins acknowledges the contrasting chapters of his Crucible story. He hopes to recapture the magic of his earlier runs, simply aiming to clear the first hurdle and feel truly involved in the tournament again, a feeling that has eluded him for too long.
