Barry Hawkins vs Matthew Stevens Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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Two veterans lock horns in the first round as former runners-up Barry Hawkins and Matthew Stevens meet for, somewhat surprisingly, only the 12th time in their career.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC & TNT Sports / USA – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & HBO Max / USA – Cannot be streamed

Tickets: Visit here for the latest ticket information

Barry Hawkins vs Matthew Stevens prediction

A former runner-up and a five-time semi-finalist at the Crucible. Barry Hawkins was once a force to be reckoned with in Sheffield but has failed to go beyond the second round in each of his last six Crucible appearances, while he failed to even qualify in 2023.

However, the 11th-seeded Hawkins secured the fifth ranking title of his career at the Welsh Open recently, and is still capable of playing top-level level snooker on the biggest stages.

Hawkins faces another veteran who has come close to winning the worlds, with 1999 and 2005 runner-up Matthew Stevens reaching the main draw for the first time since 2022.

The Welshman confesses to barely practising these days though, and there is no doubt that he is some way off his heyday, when he won two Triple Crown events.

Despite some recent struggles at the Crucible, Hawkins remains a top player and can be backed with confidence here.

Barry Hawkins vs Matthew Stevens tip: Barry Hawkins to win