Barry Hawkins claimed the Welsh Open title in emotional fashion, defeating Jack Lisowski 9-5 in the final at Venue Cymru in Llandudno to pocket the £100,000 prize money.The 46-year-old from Ditton delivered a heartfelt dedication to his father following the triumph.Speaking on TNT Sports, Hawkins said: “And to my dad who is struggling and is going through a hard time and hopefully this picks up his spirits.”It gives him something to fight for so this one is for you Dad.”The victory marks his fifth major career title and his first ranking event win in three years.Hawkins looked utterly dominant in the early stages, racing into a commanding 7-1 advantage against the Churchdown cueman.Lisowski then found his rhythm and started to claw his way back into the contest, raising the prospect of a remarkable turnaround.Barry Hawkins seals a fifth world ranking title at the Welsh Open, beating Jack Lisowski 9–5! 👏🏆 pic.twitter.com/W3ZsBVy7Vx— TNT Sports (@tntsports) March 1, 2026 But any hopes of a stunning comeback were dashed as Hawkins held his nerve to close out the match.The final frame proved decisive, with the veteran producing a couple of crucial breaks to seal victory 70-1 in that frame.Hawkins admitted afterwards: “When you are 7-1 up its hard as it could be the biggest collapse ever seen.”Five quirky facts about snooker | PAHawkins delivered an emotional speech after collecting his trophy, paying tribute to friends who have passed away.He told the crowd: “Also I want to dedicate this win to a couple of people we have lost.”We lost Les Church a couple of years ago and we lost a good friend Gizzy who we lost in October.”The veteran cueman also expressed his gratitude to supporters at the venue, saying: “Thank you to the crowd you have supported us all and it brings the best out of us.”He added that he was certain celebrations would follow, joking: “I am sure there is going to be a party later on.”This triumph represents Hawkins’ fifth major title and ends a three-year wait for silverware.Barry Hawkins moved the room with his speech | TNTSPORTSRemarkably, the 46-year-old had considered pulling out of the tournament altogether before it even began.It was fellow professional Mark Selby who persuaded him to compete – a decision that clearly paid off handsomely.Hawkins joked about his friend’s intervention: “I suppose they want a bit of commission now, Mark did message me today saying ‘I’ll just take ten per cent.”Reflecting on the significance of the win, he said: “It means the world really. I have come close to some big titles but am just so relieved.”