Hawkins Takes Shanghai Lead

Barry Hawkins will carry a one-frame cushion into this evening’s second session of his Shanghai Masters semi-final with Ding Junhui, leading 5-4.

The prize for tonight’s victor will be a place in the final against Ronnie O’Sullivan. It would be the first time Ding has faced O’Sullivan in a final in China. While Hawkins has faced the Rocket in two finals, at the 2016 Masters and the 2013 World Championship, losing on both occasions.

The new look Shanghai Masters carries the most prize money of all-time for an invitational event and Sunday’s winner will pocket £200,000.

Ding made the best of the early running today, establishing a 3-1 lead at the mid-session. However, Hawkins battled his way back into the tie when they returned. From 4-3 down he compiled breaks of 134 and 63 to hit the front for the first time in the match and lead going into tonight.