LONDON, April 28 -- China's Lyu Haotian was stopped by Crucible specialist Barry Hawkins 13-10 in the second round of the World Snooker Championship on Saturday.

Hawkins, who reached the quarterfinal of the World Championship for the sixth consecutive year, looked in danger of a surprise defeat when the 20-year-old Lyu came from 8-3 down to level at 10-10.

But experience helped 39-year-old Hawkins as he won the last three frames to book a meeting with either Ding Junhui or Anthony McGill in the next round.

World No. 6 Hawkins has become the only player having got to the last eight in Sheffield every year since 2024. He was runner-up to Ronnie O'Sullivan that year, and has since got to the semifinals three more times, including in 2024 when his run was ended by John Higgins.

Lyu, ranked 68th in the world, had first chance in frame 21 but could only make 46. Hawkins replied with 54, then converted an excellent pot on the penultimate red to a center pocket, and added 23 to go 11-10 up. That proved the turning point as he fired runs of 132 and 76 in the next two frames to cross the winning line.

Lyu said: "At 10-10 I had a good feeling but the frame after that was the key moment. My choice of safety led to a mistake and Barry played well. I had my chances but didn't take them.

"I have done well here but my lack of experience, shot selections and safety lost me the match. I will be working on those to try and catch up.

"I've had a good season, but I hope next season can be even better. I want to improve my skills and stay more competitive."

LONDON, April 28 -- China's Lyu Haotian was stopped by Crucible specialist Barry Hawkins 13-10 in the second round of the World Snooker Championship on Saturday.

Hawkins, who reached the quarterfinal of the World Championship for the sixth consecutive year, looked in danger of a surprise defeat when the 20-year-old Lyu came from 8-3 down to level at 10-10.

But experience helped 39-year-old Hawkins as he won the last three frames to book a meeting with either Ding Junhui or Anthony McGill in the next round.

World No. 6 Hawkins has become the only player having got to the last eight in Sheffield every year since 2024. He was runner-up to Ronnie O'Sullivan that year, and has since got to the semifinals three more times, including in 2024 when his run was ended by John Higgins.

Lyu, ranked 68th in the world, had first chance in frame 21 but could only make 46. Hawkins replied with 54, then converted an excellent pot on the penultimate red to a center pocket, and added 23 to go 11-10 up. That proved the turning point as he fired runs of 132 and 76 in the next two frames to cross the winning line.

Lyu said: "At 10-10 I had a good feeling but the frame after that was the key moment. My choice of safety led to a mistake and Barry played well. I had my chances but didn't take them.

"I have done well here but my lack of experience, shot selections and safety lost me the match. I will be working on those to try and catch up.

"I've had a good season, but I hope next season can be even better. I want to improve my skills and stay more competitive."