Snooker fans were cheering all the way for Kent sensation Barry Hawkins after he made it through to the final of the World Championship.

Although he was pipped to the title by ‘Rocket’ Ronnie O’Sullivan, life will never be quite the same again.

The 34-year-old was defeated 18-12 on Monday night, but will still pocket £125,000.

Barry, who previously lived in Dartford, said: “I’m pleased I made a game of it and pushed him a bit.

“I made a few more mistakes than Ronnie and you can’t afford to make mistakes against him.

“I just kept trying hard. I’m proud of myself. I came through so many tough matches.

“I wanted to win the final, but it doesn’t come any harder than playing Ronnie O’Sullivan at his best. He’s just at a different level to everyone else.

“But there’s no shame. I’m so proud to have been in the final.

“My family had always wanted to see me in the final and hopefully I can come back and win it one day.”

Barry and his wife Tara owned a house in Spring Vale South, Dartford, before moving to Ditton, near Maidstone, three years ago, after the birth of their son, Harrison.

“That’s the hardest anyone’s pushed me this year. I just couldn’t get rid of him.

Barry, who has been playing the game for 17 years, married Tara at Rowhill Grange Hotel, Wilmington, in June last year, using the cash from a win in Blackpool to help fund the ceremony.

O’Sullivan was the first to congratulate Barry on his performance.

He said: “I want to congratulate Barry. He played fantastic.

“That’s the hardest anyone’s pushed me this year. I just couldn’t get rid of him.

“Whatever I did, he kept on fighting.”

Among those enjoying the game were regulars at The Stage Door pub in Hythe Street, Dartford.

Alan Hughes, 46, from Springvale South, said: “I’ve been watching the snooker all afternoon.

“I think he’s giving it a good effort. He used to live next to me and I’d see his sponsored car in the driveway.

“I like snooker generally but it’s really good for Dartford and him doing so well. It makes it more interesting.”

Landlord Paul Lynskey, 47, said: “It’s been a brilliant game and he’s done extremely well to get this far.

“I would have had the snooker on anyway, but you’ve got to when you’ve got a local lad in the final.

“I think he lost his concentration in the last few frames but overall he played really well and is a credit to Dartford.”