Hawkins secured a 10-4 win against Matthew Stevens, marking his first Crucible victory in five years. Despite the triumph, he voiced discomfort with the Table 2 cushions, which he felt were livelier than expected. Hawkins described the cushions as coming off much quicker than they were going on, making it hard to control the cue ball and leading to frequent positional errors. He added that when players start building breaks and gaining confidence, such inconsistencies can abruptly end scoring opportunities.
The World Snooker Tour issued a statement addressing the conditions, noting there are always challenges in providing the best possible conditions for players due to various factors. The organization stated that their dedicated team of table fitters works tirelessly to deliver optimal conditions and constantly monitors the tables. They also have systems in place for players to give feedback after every match. It remains unclear what specific actions, if any, the Tour will take to address the cushion issues, or whether other players besides Hawkins and Stevens have complained about the table conditions.
Hawkins will not return to the table until Friday, giving him a break before his next match. He observed that the conditions might worsen with more play, speculating that the cushions could become even more unpredictable. Hawkins suggested that factors like open doors during installation, allowing fresh air and dampness into the cushions, might have contributed to the problem. He noted that table fitters sometimes change cushions a few days into the tournament, but it is unknown if they have identified any technical problems with the current set.
Reflecting on adaptability, Hawkins praised Ronnie O'Sullivan as the best at quickly adjusting to table conditions. Hawkins described O'Sullivan's ability to adapt when balls come off fast, contrasting it with other players who often stop in disbelief at the cue ball's movement. This observation highlights how table conditions could affect upcoming matches at the World Championship, though the exact cause of the livelier cushions and their potential impact on future games are still uncertain.