Higgins storms into Masters quarter-finals with six half-centuries against Hawkins

John Higgins made six half-century breaks: 50, 71, 53, 99, 58, and 61 to beat the two-time Masters runner-up Barry Hawkins on his record-extending 32nd consecutive appearance here at the Johnstone's Paint Masters on Tuesday, securing his spot for the quarter-final with Zhao Xintong at Alexandra Palace.

The Englishman took the opening frame following a break of 58, but then let a 46-0 advantage slip in the third frame as the Scot took control.

Hawkins, 46, went almost an hour without potting a ball as Higgins, the 1999 and 2006 Masters winner, produced some superb long pots before sealing victory.

Reflecting on his triumph, Higgins expressed satisfaction with his performance, feeling confident and surprised that he managed to beat a top player like Barry, despite being considered an underdog.

"I was delighted with the way I hit the ball," said Higgins.

"Even at the start, I felt good in myself and Barry didn't play as well as he can, but I'm delighted to beat someone as good as him.

"I was probably seen as a decent draw for Barry but when I play like that he will be thinking: 'How has he done that?'

“On his quarter-final match on Thursday with Zhao, the first Asian player to win the World Championship, Higgins added: "I will have to produce that standard again to beat him because he is an unbelievable player."

Hawkins appreciated John, noting that after his own mistake, John played consistently strong and dominated the match.

"John played brilliantly. I missed a black in the third frame and he cleared up. From then on he never looked back and played so strong," Hawkins said.