Ditton's Barry Hawkins achieved something he hadn’t done in 14 years by beating Ronnie O’Sullivan to reach the Betfred Snooker World Championship quarter-finals - and believes there have been few better wins in his career.

Hawkins beat O’Sullivan in their first meeting back in 2002 but had lost ten times in a row in the 14 years since - including a 10-1 drubbing in the Masters final back in January.

Yet he brought that unwanted record to an end on Monday evening with a fabulous display to dramatically triumph 13-12 in the second round at Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre.

Hawkins led more or less from start to finish but could only watch as a 12-9 lead evaporated with the five-time world champion making breaks of 124, 88 and 63 to force a decider.

The balls quickly went scrappy in that final frame but the world No.11’s classy 56 set the platform as he got over the line - although he admits the pressure of the situation was suffocating.

“I was feeling the pressure big time, especially the way he came back at me,” said Hawkins. “He makes it look so effortless sometimes it winds me up to be honest.

“It’s nice to finally beat him after 14 years, especially at this place over three sessions. I don’t know what he thought of his performance but overall I thought he played really well.

“I am pleased with the way I held myself together because it was the most pressure I have ever been under. I thought it wasn’t going to be my day

“It’s definitely up there with the biggest wins of my career. It’s so tough playing him because he is so intimidating and not many people can beat him over three sessions at this place.

“It doesn’t happen too often and to do it when I thought he was playing well as well is a massive confidence boost for me. It proves to me that I can compete against anyone so I’m absolutely delighted.”

The victory helps Hawkins maintain an impeccable recent record at the Crucible having made at least the semi-finals for the last three years, the only player in the world to do so.

He can make it four in a row when he faces Marco Fu in the last-eight starting on Tuesday afternoon.

And after banishing memories of his one-sided Masters loss to O’Sullivan Hawkins is full of confidence.

“I knew I had an uphill battle and had to play really, really well,” added Hawkins. “I had a different mindset than going into the Masters final.

“I felt a little bit more confident for some reason. I thought I put him under a bit of pressure. If he gets in front of you he can steamroll you. I am absolutely delighted. It might be another 14 years before I beat him again.”

Watch the World Championship LIVE on Eurosport, with Colin Murray and analysis from Jimmy White and Ronnie O’Sullivan.