{"id":453939,"date":"2026-03-02T17:51:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T17:51:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/453939\/"},"modified":"2026-03-02T17:51:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T17:51:14","slug":"barry-hawkins-gives-emotional-speech-dedicating-welsh-open-win-to-his-dad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/453939\/","title":{"rendered":"Barry Hawkins gives emotional speech dedicating Welsh Open win to his dad"},"content":{"rendered":"

Barry Hawkins claimed the Welsh Open title in emotional fashion, defeating Jack Lisowski 9-5 in the final at Venue Cymru in Llandudno to pocket the \u00a3100,000 prize money.<\/p>\n

The 46-year-old from Ditton delivered a heartfelt dedication to his father following the triumph.<\/p>\n

Speaking on TNT Sports, Hawkins said: “And to my dad who is struggling and is going through a hard time and hopefully this picks up his spirits.<\/p>\n

“It gives him something to fight for so this one is for you Dad.”<\/p>\n

The victory marks his fifth major career title and his first ranking event win in three years.<\/p>\n

Hawkins looked utterly dominant in the early stages, racing into a commanding 7-1 advantage against the Churchdown cueman.<\/p>\n

Lisowski then found his rhythm and started to claw his way back into the contest, raising the prospect of a remarkable turnaround.<\/p>\n

Barry Hawkins seals a fifth world ranking title at the Welsh Open, beating Jack Lisowski 9\u20135! \ud83d\udc4f\ud83c\udfc6 pic.twitter.com\/W3ZsBVy7Vx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 TNT Sports (@tntsports) March 1, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

But any hopes of a stunning comeback were dashed as Hawkins held his nerve to close out the match.<\/p>\n

The final frame proved decisive, with the veteran producing a couple of crucial breaks to seal victory 70-1 in that frame.<\/p>\n

Hawkins admitted afterwards: “When you are 7-1 up its hard as it could be the biggest collapse ever seen.”<\/p>\n

\"FiveFive quirky facts about snooker | PA<\/p>\n

Hawkins delivered an emotional speech after collecting his trophy, paying tribute to friends who have passed away.<\/p>\n

He told the crowd: “Also I want to dedicate this win to a couple of people we have lost.<\/p>\n

“We lost Les Church a couple of years ago and we lost a good friend Gizzy who we lost in October.”<\/p>\n

The veteran cueman also expressed his gratitude to supporters at the venue, saying: “Thank you to the crowd you have supported us all and it brings the best out of us.”<\/p>\n

He added that he was certain celebrations would follow, joking: “I am sure there is going to be a party later on.”<\/p>\n

This triumph represents Hawkins’ fifth major title and ends a three-year wait for silverware.<\/p>\n

\"Barry<\/p>\n

Barry Hawkins moved the room with his speech<\/p>\n

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TNTSPORTS<\/p>\n

Remarkably, the 46-year-old had considered pulling out of the tournament altogether before it even began.<\/p>\n

It was fellow professional Mark Selby who persuaded him to compete \u2013 a decision that clearly paid off handsomely.<\/p>\n

Hawkins joked about his friend’s intervention: “I suppose they want a bit of commission now, Mark did message me today saying ‘I’ll just take ten per cent.”<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the significance of the win, he said: “It means the world really. I have come close to some big titles but am just so relieved.”<\/p>\n