Drago wins 5-2 to reach next round

Tony Drago recovered from an indifferent start yesterday to beat Adrian Gunnell 5-2 and book his place in the next round of European Open at the Hilton Hotel. The Malta professional today plays world no.10 Alan McManus in the evening session with a place in the last 16 up for grabs.

Drago had a nervous opening to the match. He won the first frame after potting a decisive blue but a series of unforced errors then paved the way for Gunnell to level the match.

The English player took a 44-1 lead in the third but missed a red that gave Drago the chance to get back into contention. But he failed to profit and the Telford-born pro notched it 66-8. Drago made amends in the fourth frame compiling a break of 55 to go in for the interval 2-2.

When play resumed Drago was a different player. He showed all the qualities that make him such a fine talent with his quick potting. Gunnell was showing signs of uneasiness and Drago, encouraged by the crowded arena, fully exploited winning the next three frames, the last in just three minutes 20 seconds, to seal a 5-2 win with runs of 60 and 72.

"I'm really pleased to have won this match because before playing in front of my own fans has always turned out to be a difficult test of nerves for me," Drago said.

"I found the going tough during the first part of the match but once I settled down I was confident I could win the match. Adrian is a difficult opponent but after the break he started to miss some crucial shots and in the end being more experienced turned out to be a plus for me."

Turning his sights on tonight's clash Drago said: "Alan is a difficult player to beat even though he is not passing through a good patch at the moment. However, he is a real fighter. But I'm playing well and confident that I can go through."

Meanwhile, Ronnie O'Sullivan made a strong start to the defence of his European Open title with a 5-1 defeat of Marco Fu yesterday.

Winner of the Welsh Open and runner-up in the Masters, O'Sullivan maintained the excellent form he has shown so far this year. He opened with a break of 110 and was never in danger of defeat against his opponent from Hong Kong.

The result puts the Rocket through to the last last 16 and a match against Chris Small tomorrow. World no.3 O'Sullivan admitted that this trip to the Mediterranean sunshine is a welcome break.

"It's great to be here, the hospitality from the Maltese people is fantastic and the hotel is one of the best I have ever stayed in," said the 28-year-old, who beat Stephen Hendry in last year's European Open final.

"It wasn't a flowing performance but I can play the tactical game when I need to. It's not just about potting balls and I think the winner this week will be the player who cues the truest."

Edinburgh's Small was equally impressive in a 5-0 defeat of Matthew Stevens, who has not won a match since his Travis Perkins UK Championship triumph in November.

"I had a bit of run of the ball and I'm really pleased to win because Malta is a beautiful place and it's great to be involved for a bit longer," said Small.

Joe Perry, who reached the final in Malta against Hendry in 2001, came from 3-1 down to beat Derby's David Roe 5-3.

Stephen Lee qualified to the next round without playing a single shot after his opponent, Robin Hull, pulled out of the tournament with an ear infection. He will play against Steve Davis who notched his first win in Malta after defeating Joe Swail 5-4.

There was a surprise result in store late yesterday when favourite Ken Doherty was eliminated by Australian qualifier Neil Robertson, world no.94, 5-3. Tomorrow, Robertson plays the winner of the match between David Gray and Fergal O'Brien who were locked in a tight contest very late last night.

Yesterday's results: O'Sullivan vs Fu 5-1; Small vs Stevens 5-0; Perry vs Roe 5-3; Davis vs Swail 5-4; Ebdon vs Maguire 4-5; Lee w.o. Hull; Drago vs Gunnell 5-2; Doherty vs Robertson 3-5.

Playing today: (noon) - Dott vs Henry; Higgins vs Pinches. (4 p.m.) Hendry vs Michie; White vs Wattana; Hunter vs Morgan. (8 p.m.) McManus vs Drago; Hann vs Bedford; Williams vs Hamilton.