Jimmy Robertson reaching Players Championship final would be great, says Barry Hawkins

Barry Hawkins says it would be ‘great’ for Jimmy Robertson to join him in the final of the Players Championship, but says he faces an uphill battle against ‘big favourite’ Neil Robertson in the second semi-final.

The Hawk picked up a surprisingly straight forward victory against Ricky Walden on Friday night, booking his spot in the final with a 6-2 win.

It is Hawkins’ second big final since the turn of the year, having reached the Masters showpiece, where he was beaten convincingly by Neil Robertson.

There is no denying that the Australian is the clear favourite against his English namesake, but Hawkins feels it would be a great story to see Jimmy make the final after coming within one match of dropping off tour last season – only winning in World Championship qualifying to hold onto his tour card.

Asked if he had a preferred opponent in the final, Hawkins told ITV: ‘It doesn’t matter now, I’m in the final. I’ve got the day off tomorrow, I can relax and let them sweat it out.

‘Obviously Neil’s going to be a big favourite against Jimmy, all that experience and all those tournaments behind him.

‘But it would be great if Jimmy won, he was almost off the tour last season and he’s done unbelievable to get himself back in this position.’

Going into more detail when talking to WST, the Hawk said: ‘It was a horrible position to be in last year for Jimmy because he’s so much better than falling off the tour, that’s for sure.

‘To win that match in the World Championship and get himself in this position again, playing good snooker and beating John Higgins today [in the quarter-finals], it’s going to give him loads of confidence.

‘I know how good he is because I’ve practiced with him quite a lot, he deserves everything he gets because he