The Tour Championship pits recent champions against each other, and Barry Hawkins enters his Monday match against Thepchaiya Un-Nooh with a compelling historical advantage. Hawkins recently claimed victory at the Welsh Open, navigating a challenging field that included Neil Robertson, Mark Williams, and a final showdown with Jack Lisowski.
But Un-Nooh’s triumph at the World Open sent shockwaves through the snooker world. He dismantled Judd Trump in the semi-finals, then orchestrated a stunning comeback against Ronnie O’Sullivan, ultimately defeating the “Rocket” 10-7. A breathtaking 147 break punctuated his victory, showcasing a level of brilliance few have witnessed.
That 147 was part of an astonishing four-frame burst, featuring breaks of 77, 132, 147, and 131. It was a display of pure, unadulterated talent, a performance that left onlookers captivated. For many, Un-Nooh’s success felt overdue, a recognition of the extraordinary potential he’s always possessed.
Hawkins acknowledges Un-Nooh’s unpredictable nature, a stark contrast to the consistency most professionals strive for. While every player experiences fluctuations in form, Un-Nooh’s peaks and valleys are particularly dramatic. He can play like a world number one, yet also struggle with basic shots.
The contrast is striking: Un-Nooh, a player who nearly lost his professional tour card, suddenly dominating the World Open. Hawkins points out this extreme inconsistency, noting that while all players have off days, Un-Nooh’s swings are uniquely pronounced. This newfound confidence, however, makes him a formidable opponent.
Remarkably, Hawkins holds a perfect 7-0 record against Un-Nooh in professional competition. He expressed surprise at this statistic, hoping to extend his winning streak. However, he also recognizes Un-Nooh’s capacity for brilliance, acknowledging that even Ronnie O’Sullivan couldn’t contain him in the final frames of their recent encounter.
Hawkins believes the key to success lies in limiting Un-Nooh’s opportunities, preventing him from gaining momentum. He understands that containing such a naturally gifted player is a difficult task, especially when he’s playing with unwavering confidence.
Hawkins’ own recent form was disrupted by a back injury, forcing him to miss the World Open. Despite this setback, he returns to Manchester with fond memories of last year’s Tour Championship, where he reached the semi-finals. He remembers a particularly dominant performance against Shaun Murphy, winning 10-1 with five centuries.
That victory over Murphy was a standout moment, a display of relentless scoring and minimal errors. He followed it up with a strong showing against Judd Trump before ultimately falling to John Higgins in a closely contested semi-final. The memories of that successful run provide a significant boost as he prepares to face Un-Nooh.
Hawkins recalls a high standard of play throughout that tournament, remembering a semi-final where he barely saw a ball in the closing frames. He’s hoping to recapture that form and build on those positive experiences as he enters this crucial match against a player riding the crest of a wave.
The stage is set for a captivating encounter. Hawkins and Un-Nooh will battle it out on Monday and Tuesday, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals to face Neil Robertson. The tournament promises thrilling snooker and a showcase of exceptional talent.
