Despite slipping down the world rankings in recent years, Tony Drago re-mains one of snooker’s most recognisable and popular players.

The charismatic 48-year-old from Valletta turned professional in 1985 and is known as one of the sport’s most naturally gifted and fastest break-builders.

He holds the record for the fastest century (210 seconds) and fastest frame (180 seconds).

Worldsnooker.com caught up with the former International Championship finalist.

Tony, you reached the last 16 of the Antwerp Open in November, so how do you feel about your game at the moment?

Antwerp was the best I have felt for a long time. I won three matches against good opponents.

I have been practising hard recently so, hopefully, it is paying off.

Who do you practise with?

I travel around London and play the likes of Jimmy White, Alfie Burden and Sean O’Sullivan. My main practice partner is an amateur called Michael Georgiou, who I think is one of the best players not on the main tour.

He is from southern Europe like me so you would think we have similar temperaments, but in fact he is so placid. I often go into one while we are practising and go crazy about something, then afterwards, when I have calmed down, I have to apologise to him.

How do you rate your chances of keeping your place on the tour?

I have given myself a good chance with my results in the European Tour events, and if I can keep my main tour card that way it would take a lot of pressure off.

I really hope I do stay on the tour, but if not I will play in Q School, the European Tour events and the World Seniors, plus a few pool tournaments, though I prefer snooker to pool.

I have dropped off the main tour before so I know how it feels and what it takes to get back on.

But that’s not going to happen, I’m going to win matches and keep my place.

Are you hoping to set up your own academy back in Malta?

Yes there have been some talks on that. I can’t play snooker forever, and when I finish I would like to have the chance to put something back into the sport. I would hate to think that when Alex Borg and I retire, there will be no more Maltese players.

There’s a 16-year-old called Brian Cini who is our best hope, and I am trying to help him reach his potential. He has two uncles in London so he can come here to practise.

You have lived in London for many years, what do you like about it?

It’s the best city in the world. When I do retire from snooker and go back to Malta, I will be sad to leave London. I enjoy going to the West End and watching movies.

I recently saw Prisoners with Hugh Jackman which is one of the best films I have ever seen, it’s up there with The Shawshank Redemption and Scarface.

I like going for Chinese food and meeting friends from my country. They are older than me but they still class me as an old-timer.