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| BORN 22nd September 1965 BIRTHPLACE Valletta, Malta TURNED PRO 1985 EARNINGS 00/01 £38,000 RANKING 29 HIGHEST RANKING 10 Achievements 1997 - International Open - Runner-up 1993 - Strachan Challenge Biography Nicknamed the Tornado, Drago's speed has already left an indelible mark on snooker - and its record books. In 1988 Tony recorded the fastest ever frame victory in just three minutes, against Danny Fowler. In 1993 he recorded a 5-0 victory over Sean Lanigan in just 34 minutes and in the 1995 UK Championship he made a century break in 220 seconds, against John Higgins. Tony has yet to record a maximum himself in tournament play, although he shared the 1996 Embassy World Championship high break with a 144; but he always seems to be around when other players are compiling maximums. James Wattana in the 1992 British Open and Jimmy White in the 1992 Embassy World Championship have both made 147s against him, and been on the receiving end of one of his bearhugs. However he has a break of 149 to his credit, in practice against Nick Manning at West Norwood Snooker Club. Drago turned professional in 1985, having honed his whizz bang skills on the London pro-am circuit. His exciting style makes him popular with his fellow pros. Two major finals highlight his roller coaster career, full of emotional highs and lows. He reached the final of the Mita World Masters in 1991, losing to Jimmy White and, in 1997, his only ranking event final, the International Open, where he was beaten by Stephen Hendry. In 1998/99, after twelve consecutive defeats, he clocked up three wins over Stephen Hendry in the 1998 Irish Open, 1999 German Masters and 1999 B&H Masters. The 1999/2000 season was disappointing for the man from Valletta. Drago did not progress past the last 16 stages in any event and from a high of No.10, he has slipped to No.26 on the ranking list. Last season, when he really needed to improve his ranking, Drago did not make it past the last 32 of any event, but still just about held on to his top 32 status. A natty dresser, Drago's worst moments in the arena come, by his own confession, when he has to play with the rest. Off the table Tony counts tennis and football amongst his interests and claims he would have liked to have been a tennis player if he hadn't been a snooker professional. He can also often be seen heading for a Chinese restaurant to enjoy his favourite food, though he has been known to try out the odd hamburger restaurant or ten on his travels too. Best avoided on aeroplanes - he hates them - Drago's hyperactive backstage manner makes him a popular addition to any tournament. |
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| 1.OnlineSnookerProfile on Tony Drago |
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| Tony Drago |