Kent snooker star Barry Hawkins has shown his respect for the late Les Church, his long-time mentor, by advancing in the UK Championship despite missing the mentor’s funeral.

Hawkins beat Dave Gilbert 6-5 in the last-16 on Wednesday to continue his impressive form after knocking Ronnie O’Sullivan out in the opening round.

Hawkins paid tribute to Church after the win, saying: “The person who gave me my table at the club and let me play there for the last 15 years.

“If I wasn’t at the club, he was always in my earhole, telling me to get to the club and practise. I will miss those voice calls. He was a big influence.

“I’m gutted I’m missing the funeral. If I had had a day off, I’d have got the train home. It’s a shame. He would have wanted me to stay here and try to crack on and do well for him.

“I contributed to the charity that they wanted us to donate to.”