Exclusive: Barry Hawkins Confident as He Aims to End Losing Streak Against Judd Trump

Barry Hawkins produced one of the best performances of his career as he dismantled reigning Masters champion Shaun Murphy 10-1 in the opening match of the 2025 Tour Championship in Manchester.

The 2024 UK Championship finalist raced into an astonishing 7-1 lead in the afternoon session before wrapping up victory in clinical fashion during the evening. Hawkins was in imperious form, making five centuries in the first eight frames, putting himself within touching distance of snooker history.

Reflecting on his performance, the 44-year-old admitted he couldn't remember playing better.

“Definitely. I can't remember missing much at all really. If anything,” Hawkins told SportsBoom.com. 

“I can't play any better than that, especially against someone like Shaun [Murphy]. I knew I needed to play well today 'cause Shaun has been playing fantastic all season.”

“I managed to get in a little bubble and in the zone, if you like, and everything started coming pretty easy in the end. It's a great feeling to have because that doesn't come along too often.”

Hawkins’ dominance left Murphy with no way back, and even the man himself acknowledged the evening session was more of a formality.

“Tonight was a little bit different, a bit of a comedy of errors. It was just one of them days in the end for Shaun—no matter what he did, it all went wrong.”

A Record in Sight

Hawkins’ blistering start meant he had a real chance to break the record for the most centuries made in a single professional match—currently held jointly by Stephen Hendry, Ding Junhui, and Judd Trump, who each have made seven. 

Despite his strong position, he wasn’t able to add to his tally in the evening.

“I wanted to, I wanted to have another century or two. It would've been lovely.”

“I got in straight away in that first, in the opening frame tonight, and I ran out of position and the shot broke down, so that was the end of that.”

“I was delighted to be seven-one up, so all I was just trying to concentrate on tonight was just not get too carried away.”

With Hawkins in such a commanding position, many of his friends and family had already sent their congratulations at the interval—something he had to block out to maintain focus.

“Everyone was saying well done earlier. I had people texting me. I couldn’t even look at my phone because the match wasn’t even over.”

Revenge Over Murphy

This result evens the season’s head-to-head record between Hawkins and Murphy at 2-2, with Murphy having edged their last meeting at the Players Championship in Telford just two weeks prior. 

Hawkins admitted that defeat had been on his mind heading into Manchester.

“Maybe a little bit, you know, but the last match [in Telford] we played, and I had no complaints.”

“I started off a little bit slow, but after that I played okay. And Shaun played really well. It was six-four, it was a good game. So didn't have too many complaints, although I started off a little bit slow.”

“I’ve played Shaun loads of times; I played him in the big tournaments. I've beat him in the UK this year. And so, I knew if I played well, I got a chance of winning but didn't expect to play as well as I did.”

A Tough Task Against Judd Trump

Hawkins’ reward for his emphatic win is a quarter-final showdown with world number one Judd Trump—a player he has struggled against in recent encounters. Trump has won their last six meetings, including a 6-1 demolition at the 2025 Masters and a 10-8 victory in the 2024 UK Championship final.

That UK final was a gruelling affair, with Hawkins battling back from a slow start before ultimately falling short. Some suggested his epic semi-final against Mark Allen, which ended just before 1 AM, left him fatigued for the final, though Hawkins dismissed that as an excuse.

“You never know. I didn't feel tired at all really, starting the final, so I can't use that as an excuse.”

“It was a good final all day, really. I think we both played pretty well. Not many scrappy frames.”

“I had a chance in the end but missed one ball in the middle pocket and he made a great break to close the match. I pushed him all the way, and that’s all you can ask.”

“I made him work for his chances and played very well myself. That’s what I'm going to have to do on Wednesday because he’s a great, great player.”

Closing in on Silverware

Despite his consistency this season, Hawkins is still searching for silverware. In addition to his UK Championship final defeat, he also finished runner-up at the German Masters, losing to Kyren Wilson in another close contest. Although, he remains confident that a big title is just around the corner.

“It feels like it. I feel like I've put myself in positions a lot of the time, a couple of matches maybe got away where I could have won.”

“So yeah, a couple of finals this year and very consistent throughout the year. I can't be, can't be too disappointed. You never know what can happen here.”

With this kind of form, Hawkins may not have to wait much longer to get his hands on a trophy. But first, he’ll have to overcome the challenge of the in-form Judd Trump.