Drago closes in on China Open berth

Tony Drago is just one match away from making his second successive appearance in a ranking event this season when yesterday he beat Anthony Hamilton 5-4 in the third qualifyting round of the China Open at Pontin's, Wales.

The Maltese professional, who last month played in the Welsh Open, made a strong start when he raced to a 3-1 lead after two runs of 55.

Hamilton, who is ranked 33rd in the world list, made a strong response after the interval and won the opening three frames with breaks of 73 and 77 to surge 4-3 ahead.

But Drago refused to buckle and took the match into a decider when winning the eighth frame 74-39.

Drago dominated the final frame when hitting a break of 78 to seal a 5-4 victory. Today, he will face English player Stephen Lee with the winner booking his place in the first round proper of the China Open in Beijing next month.