Ditton's Barry Hawkins was forced to battle his way through at the English Open on Tuesday, but is hopeful the victory can be a catalyst for an upturn in form.

Hawkins beat Jack Lisowski 4-3 in their first-round encounter in a late-night finish at EventCity in Manchester.

The Ditton potter has struggled this term, failing to advance beyond on the third round of any event, but believes he showed signs of his best snooker to reach the last 64.

Lisowski fought back from 3-1 down to force a decider but Hawkins used his considerable experience to prevail with a vital break of 51 – joining knocks of 59, 74 and 64 he compiled earlier in the contest.

“It was a battle in the end. I thought I played better than I have been recently, so I’m pleased with that, and I thought I cued better as well,” explained the 37-year-old.

“I was pretty happy at 3-1 up as I’d had a couple of decent clearances but then Jack didn’t miss a ball really for the next two frames to force a decider. He was a bit unlucky when he got a horrendous kick in the last frame.

“When you’re looking to string some wins together it can be a bit harder but that’s the art of it – winning those close matches. Hopefully I can have some good form now.”

Things don’t get any easier for Hawkins in round two on Wednesday, as he faces his good friend and world No.28 Mark Davis. And while the world No.15 doesn’t relish squaring off against someone he is close to, he also knows he could be in for another battle on the baize.

Hawkins added: “Mark is another tough draw for me. It’s not nice playing someone who you are close with on the tour – we spend a lot of time together and I’m always listening to him moan!

“It’s going to be a tough game and I reckon Mark is due to hit a bit of form because he’s struggled for the last year or 18 months and he’s such a good player. It won’t be easy but I’m looking forward to it.”

Watch the English Open LIVE on Eurosport 1 and Quest, featuring daily studio analysis from Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.