Rare snooker blunder spotted during 6-0 embarrassment rubs salt into wound

English snooker star Barry Hawkins saw a rare mistake cost him a place in the semi-finals of the International Championship in China.

In an unusual blunder, the world No.13 struck the blue ball with his cue extension, abruptly ending his visit to the table. Meanwhile, Chinese snooker star Wu Yize dominated his quarter-final, booking a place in the last four against compatriot Zhao Xintong.

Hawkins failed to register a break over 50 throughout the match. After his clanger, he was seen grimacing as Wu gained control.

Before reaching the quarter-finals, Hawkins had dispatched Zhou Jinhao, Huang Jiahao, Jak Jones, and Northern Ireland Open champion Jack Lisowski.

That moment sparked hopes of silverware - but his error brought the dream to an abrupt end.

The Kent-born star has four ranking titles to his name, the most recent coming against Judd Trump in the 2023 European Masters final. However, he was beaten by Kyren Wilson in the German Masters final earlier this year.

In September, Hawkins snapped at referee Ben Williams during a stalemate with Jak Jones, calling the decision not to permit a re-rack 'rubbish.'

"We're going to be here all night. That's rubbish. There's loads of people who have re-racks when you know it's going to be a long frame," he said at the time.

In the quarter-finals, Wu notched breaks of 50 or more in all six frames against Hawkins, peaking with a 111. He cruised to victory after reeling off six consecutive frames to see off Judd Trump in the previous round.

The world No.22 had been staring at a last-16 exit, trailing 4-0, before staging a remarkable comeback.

If he beats Zhao Xintong, Wu will face the winner of the semi-final between John Higgins and Stephen Maguire.