Barry Hawkins is not having the suggestion that he is ‘too nice’ to make the most of his talent, after claiming the fourth ranking title of his career at the European Masters.
The Hawk beat Judd Trump in the final in Germany last month after an impressive run to the showpiece, downing world champion Luca Brecel and Mark Selby along the way.
It continues a superb career on the table for the 44-year-old, but one which could have produced more silverware given he has lost in six ranking finals, two Masters finals and has been a regular face in semis and quarters over the last decade or so.
While there is no real weakness in his game, pundits have suggested that the affable, friendly and humble Hawkins is ‘too nice’ to deal with the ruthless winners who have racked up more titles, especially when he meets them at the business end of events.
When this suggestion was put to the Hawk on the Talking Snooker podcast, he joked: ‘I think it’s a load of rubbish! I’m horrible!’
However, in all seriousness, the European Masters champ does not reckon this is a reason he hasn’t won more titles, seeing no reason why you can’t be both friendly and successful.
‘I can see why they say that sometimes, but I just don’t think that’s true really,’ he said.
‘You’ve obviously got to be ruthless when you’re on the table, show a little bit of aggression I suppose, that makes sense. Fire yourself up and give yourself a kick up the bum when you’re out there.
‘But off the table there’s loads of great sports stars that are nice people and treat people well, but are absolutely ruthless winners. I can see why they say it but I don’t think it’s true.’
Hawkins does admit that there is a reason he hasn’t put more trophies in his cabinet, feeling like he has lacked the belief in his own game over the years.
This slight lack of confidence that he can win the big one may have been viewed from afar as a lack of ruthlessness, and it is something that has plagued him for most of his career.
‘When I started to get to quarters and semis I still didn’t really believe I could go on and win it,’ Hawkins said, looking back on his career so far. ‘I was just in the moment against these great players.
‘Until you’ve actually won one I never had that belief, which is a terrible thing to say, but it takes a long time to have that belief in you. Some people are just born with it but its something I’ve had to work on.’
Even during the Hawk’s peak – a spell which saw him reach the World Championship final in 2013 then four Crucible semis in five years, while also winning the World Grand Prix and Players Tour Championship Finals – he still didn’t really feel he belonged at the top.
‘It was a great period, and I must have been doing something right, but that was the problem, I still found it hard to believe that I was a top player, believe it or not,’ he said.
‘It’s mad. Even after all them results, when I think about it, I think, “was that really me?” The way my mind works is crazy sometimes.
‘But the last few years, especially now after winning the other day, I have to believe that I am one of the best players. But sometimes I find it hard to tell myself that.’
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