Ali Carter made quick work of Barry Hawkins with a 6-1 win in the first round of the Masters in London.

Carter was given the all-clear by doctors in December after developing a cancerous tumour on his lung, months after beating testicular cancer.

He made a superb start to the match with breaks of 95 and 50 to hold a 3-1 lead at the mid-session interval.

A century followed as he extended his advantage to 5-1, and he took the next frame to seal a comprehensive victory.

Carter received a standing ovation into the arena and said it was "a dream come true" to be playing in such a big event.

The 35-year-old missed the first five months of this season, before winning the General Cup, a non-ranking event held in Hong Kong in October.

He then played in the invitational Champions of Champions event in November and the UK Championship later that month, before getting the all-clear.

He will now meet Australia's Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals.

Earlier, defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan equalled Stephen Hendry's all-time centuries record of 775 as he beat Ricky Walden 6-4.