There’s no better feeling than a strong performance at the Dafabet Masters according to Barry Hawkins, after his 6-1 thrashing of Shaun Murphy on Wednesday night.

The Ditton potter was in exceptional form in his first-round match at London’s Alexandra Palace as he looks to repeat the success he enjoyed at the Masters last year when he made the final.

And while he suffered heartache in a 10-1 defeat to Ronnie O’Sullivan in the showpiece 12 months ago, he showed no ill-effects as he cruised to victory.

“There was a couple of occasions out there where I felt really good, I didn’t feel like missing,” said Hawkins.

“If you could bottle that and keep that feeling, it’s a great feeling to have because there’s a lot of pressure out there sometimes and it can be hard to settle.

“Lucky for me I settled quickly and there’s no better feeling playing in front of a crowd like that and playing well.

“I’m really pleased, I played pretty solidly throughout the match, didn’t give Shaun too many easy chances and he missed a couple, which is uncharacteristic.

“Overall I got off to a good start and had him on the back foot straight away.”

Hawkins took all four frames before the mid-session interval with two breaks of 89, and a knock 85 in the fifth frame extended his advantage even further.

A break of 60 eventually got Murphy on the board at 5-1 but Hawkins hit another half-century to clinch the match and book a quarter-final tie with Mark Selby on Friday evening.

The current World and UK champion will be a stern test for Hawkins who knows he cannot allow his performance levels to dip in the slightest if he’s to overcome the world No.1.

“It doesn’t get any easier, I am sure he (Mark Selby) is full of confidence,” added Hawkins.

“He’s the best player in the world at the moment when I come out and play him I will have to be at the top of my game again because I won’t get any easy chances.

“His safety is granite and his scoring is unbelievable, I will need an inspired performance.

“It’ll be a great occasion, it’s probably just behind Ronnie (O’Sullivan) playing Selby. He’s the man in form, he’s world No.1. It’s a massive occasion for me and I can only look forward to it.”

Watch the London Masters LIVE on Eurosport 2, featuring daily studio analysis from Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.