Drago battles past Kachaiwong 9-7

Tony Drago remained on course for a place in the final stages of the prestigious UK Championship after dismissing the challenge of Thailand's Issara Kachaiwong 9-7 in the second qualifying round in Prestatyn, Wales yesterday.

It was a hard-earned success for the Maltese professional who needed all his experience to move past the strong resistance of the Thai player and set up a third qualifying round match against Ricky Walden tomorrow.

Drago made a strong start to the match, winning three of the opening four frames.

The next four frames were shared as Drago closed the first session 5-3 ahead.

Kachaiwong opened the second session in positive fashion as he took three frames out of four to level the score at six-all.

The two players then won a frame each but Drago kept his composure to win the next two frames to seal a 9-7 success.