Kent snooker star Barry Hawkins crashed out of the World Snooker Championship after losing his first round match against Ali Carter in controversial circumstances.

Carter led Hawkins 9-6 in Sheffield and needed one more frame to win.

The Dartford pro then won the next three frames to pull level before play was halted at 6.35pm with the evening session due.

Hawkins thought the decision to halt play at such a crucial time was a poor one.

He said: "I was devastated. After all that hard work to pull us off at 9-9 with half an hour to spare, I was gutted. I had the right hump."

When play finally resumed at 9.15pm, following the conclusion of the match between Joe Swail and Stephen Lee, Carter took the decider 69-46 to reach the last 16.

Hawkins added: "I had the momentum and it was a big difference. I suppose they have their rules but I think it was a bit harsh. I'm sure people would have understood waiting an extra 20 minutes when it means so much to both of us."