Hawkins was the highest ranked player in the qualifiers

Dartford's Barry Hawkins admits he has had a disappointing season after being knocked out of the World Championships by defending champion John Higgins.

Hawkins, 30, led 5-4 after the first session but went on to lose 10-6 in the fifth consecutive year that he has failed to get past the first round.

"I can't say it was a terrible season but it's not been good," Hawkins told BBC Radio Kent.

"Saying that it's only been six tournaments so it's hard to judge it."

He continued: "I've lost two first-rounders. I've played well along the way in other tournaments but just haven't had as many wins as I'd like, so it's not too good really."

We're just hoping that things can turn around in snooker and get the popularity back in the game Barry Hawkins

Hawkins accepts he failed to capitalise on the great position he found himself in going into the evening session.

"I was pretty comfortable. I was pleased with the way I've been playing and I was calm, but I just don't know what happened," he said.

"I didn't put him under pressure and when he senses things like that he raises his game."

Hawkins has also given his backing to Barry Hearn's plans to overhaul the sport, with the introduction of an extended professional tour.

"That's what we want," said Hawkins.

"We want more opportunities to play, especially more ranking tournaments - that's the big thing really.

"We're just hoping that things can turn around in snooker and get the popularity back in the game."

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