The Englishman, runner-up in 2013, led 7-2 overnight and reeled off the required three frames at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield to set up a meeting with Neil Robertson of Australia.

"I felt I was solid enough," Hawkins said, according to BBC Sport.

"There were a few mistakes here and there but I felt good - but Alexander made it quite easy for me.

"I expect I will have to play a lot better against Neil, cut out the easy mistakes I made. 

"I need to up my game.

"I am looking forward to playing him just to see were my game is at and how much work I need to put in going forward."

World number 60 Martin Gould of England is also through to the second round after he beat Scotland's Stephen Maguire.

Gould, who said he would retire if he failed to make it through qualifying, was in superb form as he recorded an impressive 10-3 win.

He will face compatriot Kyren Wilson in round two.

In the second round matches which started today, four-time World Championship winner John Higgins of Scotland trails 5-3 against Norway's Kurt Maflin after the opening session.

Welshman Mark Williams, a three-time world champion, leads Masters champion Stuart Bingham 5-3.

The tournament continues tomorrow.