Drago books Parrott match at Pontin's

Tony Drago's fine run in World Snooker ranking events qualifying rounds was extended to the China Open yesterday when the Valletta pro beat Lee Page 5-2.

The qualifying phase of this tournament got underway at Pontin's yesterday and Drago again showed he still has to offer after coming from behind to eliminate the 22-year-old.

Today, Drago plays former world champion John Parrott with Anthony Hamilton and Stephen Lee waiting in the offing in the next two rounds for a place in the main draw.

Page won the opening frame but Drago, who qualified for the Welsh Open last week, went in for the break leading 3-1. Page pulled one back but the 'Tornado' rattled in a 91-clearance to go 4-2 up before securing victory with a break of 38.

Meanwhile, World Snooker yesterday announced their third tournament sponsorship deal since Barry Hearn took over as chairman.

The China Open, beginning on March 29, will be backed by Sanyuan Foods.

Hearn, who replaced Rodney Walker in December, has succeeded in attracting financial backing for each of the tournaments since then, with betting firms signing up to sponsor the Wembley Masters and Welsh Open.