Barry Hawkins claims a weight has been lifted from his shoulders after finally ending his Masters hoodoo on Monday evening.

The Ditton cueman had failed to win a match in his previous five appearances at the event but it was sixth time lucky as he downed Joe Perry 6-3in the first roundat London’s Alexandra Palace.

The pair split the opening four frames of the match and Perry actually led 3-2 after an 84 break, but Hawkins responded in style to reel off four consecutive frames and book a quarter-final clash with Mark Allen.

And the world No.8 is hopeful that a first victory in the prestigious event will prove to be just the beginning for him.

“I’m so delighted to finally win a match and beat someone of Joe’s calibre,” said Hawkins.

“It took me a long time to win my first match at the Crucible as well, so hopefully it can be the start of things to come here now.

“I thought I played pretty solidly throughout the match. I had a little blip in the final frame, but luckily for me Joe let me off so I’m delighted to be in the next round.

“It does feel like a little weight has been lifted off because it’s a tough match every time you come to the Masters – that’s proven by the fact that Ding Junhui, who is a great player, hasn’t won here for a few years.

“I feel like I’m in the tournament now. I’ve got some confidence coming back slowly and I’m just delighted with the way I felt out there. It’s good signs for me.”

Hawkins won the Riga Open back in August but has largely struggled for form since, reaching just one quarter-final.

And as he gears up for a Thursday evening quarter-final with world No.11 Allen, the 36-year-old knows he doesn’t face a simple task.

“It’s doesn’t get any easier, that’s for sure,” added Hawkins.

“I watched Mark’s first round game against Shaun Murphy and I thought he played very solidly – he was scoring very heavily when he got in.

“Winning any match gives you confidence, especially against someone like Shaun, and he’ll take confidence from the way he played as well.

“But I’m just over the moon to still be here and I can’t wait until Thursday now.”

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