Barry Hawkins produced a tremendous performance to defeat 2008 UK Champion Shaun Murphy 6-2 to power into the semi-finals of the UK Championship.

The Hawk is hunting a maiden Triple Crown title, having been runner-up in two Masters finals and the 2013 World Championship. 

Hawkins has enjoyed an impressive week so far here in York. He defeated defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the opening round and edged to a 6-5 defeat of David Gilbert in round two. 

This afternoon saw Hawkins compose breaks of 63, 69, 91, 80 and 82 on his way to victory. He now faces either Mark Allen or Jack Lisowski in the last four. 

Hawkins said: “It doesn’t happen very good but when you are hitting the ball that well it is a nice feeling. Sometimes it is an absolute nightmare out there. I’m very pleased and I’ll try to take it forward if I can and keep going. 

“I’ve played well every match and I haven’t done that for a while. I’ve had a good one then a bad one. Going on that form I’d say I’m close to my best.”