Snooker star misses pal's funeral after Ronnie O'Sullivan win to reach quarter-finals of UK Championship
After Barry Hawkins' win over Dave Gilbert to reach the quarter-finals of the UK Championship, the 45-year-old said his club-room mentor Church was "looking down on me" following his death from a long illness
Snooker star Barry Hawkins has paid tribute to his mentor Les Church after missing his funeral to progress at the UK Championship this week.
Hawkins beat Dave Gilbert 6-5 in the last-16 on Wednesday to continue his impressive form after knocking Ronnie O'Sullivan out in the opening round.
After his win over Gilbert to reach the quarter-finals, the 45-year-old said his club-room mentor Church was "looking down on me" after passing away following a long illness.
Hawkins said he regretted missing his funeral to play at the tournament but insisted he would have wanted him to "crack on and do well for him".
"It’s strange, this game," he said after his initial win over Gilbert. "There’s somebody looking down on me. It’s Les’s funeral, bless him. The person who gave me my table at the club and let me play there for the last 15 years.
"If I wasn’t at the club, he was always in my earhole, telling me to get to the club and practise. I will miss those voice calls. He was a big influence.
"I’m gutted I’m missing the funeral. If I had had a day off, I’d have got the train home. It’s a shame. He would have wanted me to stay here and try to crack on and do well for him.
"I contributed to the charity that they wanted us to donate to. He will be sadly missed. Out there you’re in a little bubble, your mind is on the job. This morning I was a bit disappointed. I’m thinking of the family."
It came after his superb comeback victory over Sullivan last weekend that saw him win four frames in a row to overcome a 4-2 deficit and claim a 6-4 win. O'Sullivan is usually prone to outspoken rants at snooker events but took his hat off to Hawkins and said he deserved his win.
"I just think Barry played a good match and deserved his win, so you have to give all credit to him," said a clearly disappointed O'Sullivan shortly afterwards.
"He looked strong and took his chances. I'm all right about it and I'm pretty much used to it. You just have to roll with it. It is what it is."
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