Robertson halts Drago’s charge

Tony Drago was a whisker away from completing a stunning comeback in the World Championship qualifiers as the Maltese prof­essional lost to England’s Jimmy Robertson 10-8 after being 9-4 down.

Drago began yesterday’s session in Sheffield three frames in arrears as he trailed the 24-year-old from East Sussex 6-3.

Robertson enjoyed a superb start as he won three of the opening four frames yesterday to move just one game away from victory in the best-of-19 fourth round match.

Drago, ranked 42 in the world, looked down and out but he refused to give in. Optimism of an amazing fightback by Drago increased as he reeled off four frames in a row to reduce the gap to 9-8.

However, Drago’s charge came to a halt when Robertson clinched the 18th frame to wrap up his win. Robertson will now face former champion Ken Doherty, of Ireland, for a slot in the main draw, to be played at the Crucible next month.