Barry Hawkins graciously admitted Kyren Wilson was the “stronger player” after narrowly losing out in the German Masters final.
Hawkins, 45, suffered a 10-9 defeat against the snooker world champion in a thrilling clash in Berlin on Sunday. After his strong start, having won the two first frames, The Hawk found himself evenly matched with Wilson as the game reached 9-9 and a decider.
Wilson missed a plant but went on to clinch a dramatic victory, leaving Hawkins as the runner-up for the second time this season, having made it to the UK Championship showpiece before having to settle for runner-up.
Despite his clear disappointment, the world No. 12 showed admirable sportsmanship by refusing to make excuses. “I felt like I was just holding onto Kyren all day, I felt like he was playing better than me, he was the stronger player,” Hawkins said.
“In the end at 9-9 it’s anybody’s. I’ve had a great week, great crowd, great support, another good tournament so onwards and upwards. It’s been a good season so far. It’s a shame I didn’t get the win but Kyren deserved the win, he played better than I did.”
Wilson has been in stellar form, having clinched his first World Championship last year defeating Jak Jones. The world No. 2 also reached the finals of the Masters, where he lost to Shaun Murphy.
Meanwhile, Hawkins’ response to another gruelling defeat was just as classy as when he lost to Judd Trump in the UK Championship in December. After Trump overcame a 9-6 deficit, he focused on his opponent and heaped praise on The Ace.
“I’m still fighting. Days like this make it worthwhile,” said Hawkins, who reclaimed his place in the top 16 and gained a spot at last month’s Masters thanks to his run in York.
“If someone had told me I’d get to the final, I’d have taken it. Once I was in the final, you want to win. Today was a great game. I’ve lost to the best player in the world.”