Snooker chiefs respond to Barry Hawkins’ World Championship outburst

• Barry Hawkins was critical of the conditions at the World Snooker Championship following his first round win on Saturday.
• Hawkins beat Welsh qualifier Matthew Stevens 10-4, but claimed “fresh air” had ruined the cloth, while also suggesting it had been like playing on a ping-pong table.
• Hawkins admitted to struggling to control the cue ball, and questioned whether the cushions may be changed ahead of his next match.
• A World Snooker Tour spokesperson responded to Hawkins’ outburst by assuring that “our dedicated team of table fitters work tirelessly in delivering the best possible conditions and they are constantly monitoring the tables.”
• The spokesperson also appeared taken aback by Hawkins’ decision to go public with his complaint, stating: “We have systems in place where players can give feedback after every match.”