After two classes of their match, Hawkins led 10-6, however Williams, a champion in 2000, 2003 and 2018, was unable to battle 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 strive my finest over the three classes. In two I performed OK however the second session, I did not play very effectively and that is when he bought an excellent 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 can not practise for hours every day and I can not 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 positively up there [as his best Crucible experience]. It isn’t straightforward beating somebody like that to get to the quarter-finals.
“I did not simply fall over the road so I am fairly proud of 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 in opposition to these types of gamers however over the past 4 or 5 years I’ve bought extra perception.”
On the standing ovation initially of the session, he stated: “They weren’t standing for me, they have been standing for the Class of 92 however once I walked out, what a sense. It is the most effective place to play when it is like that.”
