Drago's brave run halted in semis
Maltese sees bright future in pool
Tony Drago's astonishing run in the World Pool Championship ended last night when the Maltese snooker star was beaten by Alex Pagulayan in the semi-finals.
Drago, widely acclaimed as the tournament's surprise package, lost 11-6 to the Canadian cueist. Pagulayan was in control from start to finish as Drago was unable to get in to his usual flowing style.
However, the game also produced some controversy. With the score standing at 10-6, referee Nigel Rees called a foul on Drago after he allegedly touched the 8-ball with his hand during his cueing action.
TV replays suggested there was no contact but the decision was made and Pagulayan cleared up to earn a spot in today's final where he meets Germany's Thorsten Hohmann who defeated Earl Strickland of the US 11-4.
Despite his defeat, Drago can be happy with his performance as he shocked a succession of class players en route to the final weekend.
Yesterday morning, Drago found himself up against the highly dangerous Taiwanese qualifier Hui-kai Hsia.
Drago, with a packed crowd egging him on, defeated Hsia, the former two-time World Junior Champion, 11-8.
"My snooker is consistent but the last time I won was the China Masters in 1996 and I am playing more and more 9-ball.
"I think I have a big future in pool because I love this game so much," Drago said after his quarter-final victory.