Drago routs Bond to book place in final stages

Tony Drago is through to the final stages of the Embassy World Championships after he outclassed England's Nigel Bond 10-4 in the qualifiers at Prestatyn, Wales.

Drago was always in control of yesterday's best-of-19 frames match, taking a 7-2 lead by the end of the opening session.

The Valletta-born cueist clinched the opening two frames of the afternoon session before Bond, the 1995 world finalist, hit back by winning the next two frames to bridge the gap to 9-4. But Drago soon regained his composure to win the 14th frame and assure himself of a place in the main draw at the Crucible next month.

"I've had a bad season but that's the best I played, so it's good timing," Drago said after his victory over Bond.

Drago's opponent in the Last 32 is not yet known as the draws of the tournament, to be held between April 16 and May 2, will be made on Monday.

Ranked 39th in the provisional list, Drago needs to piece together a good run in Sheffield if he is to end the season in the top 32.