DARTFORD’S Barry Hawkins is brimming with confidence approaching next month’s World Championships after learning of his first round opponent.

Hawkins qualified for snooker’s showpiece event after a 10-8 victory over Devon’s Andy Hicks.

And he says he has every reason to be confident after drawing Ali Carter, the world No.11.

“Ali is a fantastic player and of course it’s going to be tough,” admitted the 28-year-old, pictured.

“But I played him in the UK Championships in December and won 9-8 after trailing 8-3. I’m sure that result will still be in his mind.”

The trip to Sheffield will be Hawkins’ third straight visit, though he has never managed to get through the first round.

In 2006 he lost 10-1 to Ken Doherty before going down 10-9 to Fergal O’Brien last year.

“I’m hoping it will be third time lucky,” he joked.

In the meantime Hawkins has the China Open to think about, another ranking event, that begins on March 23.

“I can really enjoy China knowing that I’m going to the worlds,” added Hawkins, who faces seven times world champion Stephen Hendry.