Exclusive: Barry Hawkins Relentless as He Puts Judd Trump to the Sword

Barry Hawkins pulled off a major upset at the 2025 Tour Championship in Manchester, eliminating world number one Judd Trump with a commanding 10-5 victory.

Having already shocked reigning Masters champion Shaun Murphy in the opening round with a ruthless 10-1 win, Hawkins acknowledged before the match that he would need to step up another level against Trump. But despite appearing to write himself off, he delivered an almost flawless performance to dispatch the tournament favourite.

Hawkins came out firing in the afternoon session, surging to a 6-2 lead with five breaks over 50. While Trump showed flashes of his usual brilliance in the evening, including adding another century break to his remarkable seasonal tally, Hawkins had built too strong a lead and maintained control to close out the match.

Speaking to SportsBoom after the match, Hawkins was delighted with his performance, noting how he kept Trump under relentless pressure—something few have managed to do in recent years.

Seizing Every Opportunity

Hawkins was clinical throughout, punishing any mistake from Trump and playing the type of attacking snooker usually associated with the world number one himself.

“Judd wasn’t firing at all cylinders, but when I did get opportunities, I stood up and took all the balls out. When your chances come along, and need to take them, and I did that all afternoon and managed to get a nice lead,” he told SportsBoom.com. 

“Whenever he started to find his range, I was just getting stronger.”

“I’m really happy with how I closed out that one. I managed to take out the match with a really good break, them balls weren’t easy to take out.”

“When I got a chance, I just made the most of every opportunity. I kept him bang under pressure. When he reeled off a few frames, I managed to hit a few good tricky balls and put him straight back under pressure.”

“I can take so much confidence, that’s for sure.”

Breaking a Losing Streak

The victory carried even more weight given Hawkins had lost his previous six meetings with Trump, including the UK Championship final and their recent Masters clash at Alexandra Palace. However, he admitted he had no idea about that head-to-head record.

“He’s won the last six meetings, really?” Hawkins responded in surprise.

“It’s nice to get one over him. I didn’t realise that was the record. It’s nice to beat him over a best-of-19 as well.”

“It takes some doing to beat a player like him. He’s just a phenomenal, phenomenal player.”

While Hawkins played at an elite level, Trump was not at his best, making uncharacteristic errors throughout the match. Hawkins noted that something seemed off with the world number one but credited his own performance in ensuring Trump never settled.

“Yeah, I could tell something was off.”

“I got in front of him early, and when you do get in front of people, it can be frustrating and off-putting, but that’s what you’ve got to do.”

“I kept him under pressure, and didn’t give him many easy opportunities.”

“He made some false errors, and it sort of zapped his confidence towards the end.”

“All of sudden he did come back with a century, but I never took my foot off the gas.”

Trump’s Move Abroad – A Factor?

Trump’s form has dipped slightly in recent months, with his last title coming in November. Some have suggested his move to Hong Kong—where he now lives with his girlfriend, figure skater Maisy Ma—and recent property purchase in Dubai may have played a role. However, Hawkins dismissed the idea that Trump’s relocation had any impact on his game.

“I don’t think so. He’s been travelling backwards and forwards for years, even when he wasn’t actually based in Dubai. He’s always in Dubai for practice. I don’t think that bothers him.”

Relaxing Before the Semi-Finals

With his place in the semi-finals secured, Hawkins now enjoys a rare full day off while the remaining quarter-final matches take place. He intends to make the most of it.

“I’ll go back in the spa. It will feel like I’m on holiday, sit around the pool and just try to chill and relax as much as I can.”

As he awaits the winner of John Higgins vs. Xiao Guodong, Hawkins remains unfazed by the prospect of facing either player.

“I don’t mind whoever it is. I’m happy to be here, I’m over the moon to still be in the tournament. It’s such a hard event to win, it’ll be another really tough game.”

With his confidence soaring and his game in peak condition, Hawkins has sent a clear message—he is ready to push for the Tour Championship title.