Drago eliminated after 9-1 defeat

Tony Drago's run in the UK Championship came to a halt yesterday. The Maltese professional suffered a massive 9-1 defeat to Ricky Walden in the third qualifying round match, played in Prestatyn, Wales.

Walden's impressive performance in the first session all but secured his passage to the first round of the UK Championship. The English cueist, ranked no. 42 in the provisional world list, claimed seven of the eight frames contested in the first session.

Buoyed by such a commanding advantage, Walden remained in control as he took the opening two frames of the second session for a convincing 9-1 win.

Walden will now play Ian McCulloch in the first round on December 5 at the Barbican Centre, York.