Barry Hawkins overcame Kyren Wilson in a thrilling final to land the Paul Hunter Classic in Furth on Sunday.

Hawkins beat Gary Wilson, Mark King and Joe Perry to secure a place in the final against the defending champion.

Wilson had appeared set to retain the title but his break of 57 wasn’t enough to claim the sixth frame and Hawkins fought back to draw level at 3-3 and force a decider.

The 40-year-old world number 10 hit a break of 69 in the final frame to secure a 4-3 win and Hawkins was delighted to claim the title.

“It was a strong field and it’s tough to win any tournament,” he told World Snooker.

To win a title early in the season puts me in good stead. In spells during the weekend I played really well and scored well.

“There are two big tournaments coming up in China so hopefully I can keep this form going.

“I was feeling tired in the final, it was a bit scrappy. It was a huge frame to go 3-3 because I thought it was game over.

“I potted a good long red and managed to clear up. Then in the last frame I held myself together.

“The fans here are some of the best in the world, it’s always a great atmosphere.”

The Paul Hunter Classic was a non-ranking event this season but Hawkins will have been delighted to end his wait for a title, with his last trophy coming in the World Grand Prix in the 2016/17 season.

Hawkins had endured a tough start to the season and exited the International Championship in the first round but he should draw confidence from this win and can be backed at 23.00 to win the UK Championship.