Iranian star Hossein Vafaei opened up on his "personal" celebration after beating Barry Hawkins in a final-frame thriller at the Crucible. In a memorable contest, the 30-year-old came back four times to level the score after trailing, and was never in the lead until it got to 9-9.

Vafael then produced a break of 73 to seal victory. However, he didn't wait until the match was done to show his emotions. After sinking a red to get past 50, he roared "come on", despite the frame still being mathematically alive.

It was only the second match Vafael has won on his four visits to Sheffield, and the relief was evident afterwards. However, he apologised to Hawkins afterwards, insisting his behaviour wasn't a show of disrespect.

"In the moment during the deciding frame, my mind went negative," he explained. "I had to change something around. I needed to give something a go and let the animal come out again. It was a trick to my mind.

"I have to say sorry to my opponent, I couldn't handle it. I was under so much pressure, and I didn't want to exit again, first round, and I was under so much pressure. I just wanted to send a message to myself.

"I'd been a little bit negative, and I wanted to say that it's over. I don't want to say too much, this is something to do with my mind. It's personal, and it has nothing to do with my opponent."

Vafaei will now face Mark Williams in a potential grudge match after a bust-up between the pair in January. V after a defeat in the World Grand Prix, having been angered at an apparent leg slap from the Welshman earlier in the match.

However, he insisted there would be no lingering ill-feeling, saying: "It'll be great, He's a legend and I respect him a lot. The past is in the past. I watched his game to become a snooker player. It's going to be a great match."