Judd Trump and Stuart Bingham won their matches respectively here on Friday to set up a semifinal clash at the Snooker Masters.
The world No.
Trump, 33, lost 6-5 to Hawkins in the semifinal a year ago. He managed to take revenge as he came from 4-5 down to come through.
"I felt in control at the end, as if I knew I was going to clear up," Trump was quoted by the World Snooker Tour website.
"It's a nice feeling to win another close one. It gives me confidence to do that when my back was against the wall," added the 2019 Masters champion.
After Trump's narrow win, Bingham fired up to sweep Shaun Murphy 6-0 with two centuries and two breaks over 50.
"If I play like this I'm sure I'll give Judd a good match," said the 46-year-old Bingham about the semifinal on Saturday. "I'm riding a wave and long may it continue. The way I'm playing I back myself, but Judd can turn it on when he needs to."
The other semifinal is between Mark Williams and Jack Lisowski.
