TONY DRAGO - MALTA

Age - 39
Based - London, England and Valletta, Malta
Nickname - Tornado
Hobbies - Movies and all sports
Cue Used - John Parris
Achievements - Winner 2003 World Pool Masters. Bronze Medallist at 2003 World Pool Championship. Runner-Up 2005 Austrian Open. Finalist 2004 European Open Snooker. Winner 1997 China Snooker Masters Invitational.

Drago’s previously stuttering pool career went into overdrive in 2003 as he followed up his terrific run at the World Pool Championship – he won a bronze medal – with victory in the Masters that year.

Wins over Pagulayan, van den Berg, Strickland and Hsia saw him claim his first major pool title in style. Drago’s quick-fire play can terrify opponents as he is capable of running out racks in less than a minute.

Since that halcyon summer, Drago has established himself as a top draw European player, with high finishes on the Euro Tour and victories on the UK-based BPPPA Tour.

Drago has a huge affection for 9-ball and during the summer months will practice for up to eight hours a day against top class opposition. He will be looking for a good run in Doncaster as he eyes up a spot on the European Mosconi Cup side following Steve Davis’ enforced absence.