But the world number 16 was too good for Belfast’s Joe Swail as he ground out a 5-0 win at the Beijing University Gymnasium.

A former Grand Prix semi-finalist, left-hander Hawkins had breaks of 48 and 41, but it was desire to battle for frames which ultimately proved the difference.

Swail had a high break of 53, but even that was not enough to win a frame as Hawkins deservedly progressed.

“That was an awful performance compared to the way I played yesterday,” said Hawkins, who shocked Chinese favourite Ding Junhui with a 5-3 win in the last 32 stage.

“It was hard to get up for the match after such a big occasion against Ding, but it was a big match for me because I need as many ranking points as I can get.

“I haven’t played well in any of my matches this season, so it was important to win and get some ranking points.”

Hawkins reached the Kilkenny Irish Masters final earlier this month and is hoping his recent vein of form will bode him well at the 888.com World Championship next month.

He added: “I’ve been working really hard on my game – I’ve not been doing anything major, but I’ve worked on tiny bits of technique.

“I got a lot of confidence from the way I played in Kilkenny, which I seem to have taken forward with me. It’s really nice to have found some form before the World Championship. Hopefully I can keep my form going in China and get as many wins under my belt as possible.”

Hawkins will play Dubliner Ken Doherty in tomorrow’s quarter-finals after the 1997 world champion dispensed with Leicester’s Mark Selby 5-1.

Last season’s Malta Cup winner lost the first frame as Selby pocketed an superb 85 break, but never looked back, winning five frames on the bounce with breaks of 120 and 56 the highlights.

“Barry’s playing really well, so I’ll have to play well to beat him,” said Doherty.

“But I’m happy with my own game. As long as I perform I’ve got a good chance of getting through to the semi-finals.”