After two periods of their match, Hawkins led 10-6, however Williams, a champion in 2000, 2003 and 2018, was unable to struggle again because the six frames went alternate methods, with Hawkins securing the victory.
Eleventh-seed Hawkins, who turned 47 on Wednesday, was helped by two breaks of 85 – one in body 18 and one in body 20 – to succeed in the Crucible quarter-finals for the seventh time.
“I simply needed to attempt my finest over the three periods. In two I performed OK however the second session, I did not play very nicely and that is when he received a very good lead,” stated Williams.
“I attempted to come back again however he was simply the higher participant. I simply do not make sufficient breaks any extra. I broke down on 40 or 50.
“It was the most effective reception I’ve ever seen right here. They have been all on their toes. It most likely will not occur once more with all three of us [of the ‘Class of 92’] in the identical session.
“There’s nothing else I can actually do, I am unable to practise for hours every day and I am unable to get higher – as you go on, you worsen and worse.”
Hawkins, who will play Northern Eire’s Mark Allen within the quarter-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday, stated: “That is undoubtedly up there [as his best Crucible experience]. It is not simple beating somebody like that to get to the quarter-finals.
“I did not simply fall over the road so I am fairly pleased with the best way I performed and my recreation – I loved each minute of it.
“I used to have an excessive amount of respect and would crumble towards these kinds of gamers however over the past 4 or 5 years I’ve received extra perception.”
On the standing ovation at first of the session, he stated: “They weren’t standing for me, they have been standing for the Class of 92 however after I walked out, what a sense. It is the most effective place to play when it is like that.”
