Ditton's Barry Hawkins labelled the playing conditions at the UK Snooker Championship a disgrace after crashing out of the tournament on Sunday evening.

Hawkins was one of the favourites for the title heading into the tournament but struggled to impose himself in the second round against Robin Hull and lost 6-3.

He looked short of his usual best and managed a high break of just 54 – his only half-century in the match.

The conditions at the Barbican Centre in York have come under fire from various players and the world No.8 at least partly blamed the table for his early exit from the tournament.

“I know people have complained about the conditions but that is the worst table I’ve ever played on,” explained Hawkins.

“It’s the UK Championship and it was unplayable – it’s a disgrace. Even players who have won have complained. It’s just so frustrating.

“You lose all confidence in the end and are frightened to play your shots.”

Despite winning the opening frame, the 2013 World Championship finalist found himself 3-1 behind at the interval.

Hawkins ground out wins in the sixth and seventh frames to claw the score back to 4-3 but his Finnish opponent won the following two to secure a spot in the last 32.

The result means Hawkins exits the tournament in the second round for the second successive year and he admits he is frustrated to no longer be vying for the title.

“It’s very disappointing not to have made it into the second week,” he added. “I felt like my form was coming back but I just couldn’t get going at all.

“Andy Hicks was a tough opponent in the first round and Robin was equally as tough. He’s probably underachieved throughout his career.

“I just lost all confidence in the end and kept missing everything because I didn’t know where I was.

“A lot of the big seeds have gone out so I’m not alone but I’m disappointed.”

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