Snooker ace Barry Hawkins feels he is in tip-top shape as he prepares for his third consecutive assault on the World Snooker Championships.

The 28-year-old from Dartford will emerge from the famous red curtain at the Crucible Theatre on Saturday night, when he meets world number 14 Ali Carter in the first round.

And after confidence-boosting performances at the recent China Open when Hawkins hammered seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry 5-1, the left-hander is raring to go.

"I feel really good," said the Hawk, who was beaten 5-2 by eventual winner Stephen Maguire in the second round in Beijing.

"I really enjoyed China even if the time difference played havoc with the players. The win against Stephen (Hendry) was a big confidence boost for me and I played some really solid stuff. I lost the first frame but I didn't really give him a sniff after that.

"Stephen had some nice things to say about me after the game but that is the nature of the sport today - it's such a high standard that if anyone plays well they can beat anyone else.

"I feel like I'm cueing well. Practice is going well and I'm really looking forward to playing at the Crucible again."

Hawkins doesn't play until the weekend but in order to soak up the Sheffield atmosphere he made the journey up the M1 on Wednesday afternoon. This year World Snooker are putting on a host of events in the build up to the tournament, including a snooker academy where players can practice.

"It’s always nice to get to the venue with some time to spare," continued Hawkins. "It gives you a chance to relax into your surroundings and to put the final touches to your preparations."