SNOOKER: Tornado breezes into The 147 Club (From Swindon Advertiser)

SNOOKER: Tornado breezes into The 147 Club

7:00am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Other Sport

POTTING king Tony Drago was in no mood to dish out any favours when he arrived at the 147 Snooker Club for an exhibition recently.

Drago, widely regarded as one of snooker’s greatest entertainers due to the speed of his play and attacking style, took apart his opponents on the green baize.

The evening kicked off with club owner Noel Paul taking centre stage against the Maltese Falcon, and Noel was only able to play one safety shot before Drago completed a dazzling total clearance of 129 in under five minutes.

Next to take on Drago was Noel’s son Troy, who beat former world finalist Jimmy White when he played at the club in May 2010.

Troy managed a break of 33 early on, but one small mistake allowed Drago in and he cleared the table to win by 28 points.

Thirteen-year-old Jacque Chomiw also took on the seasoned pro but barely got a chance against the former world top 10 cueman.

Another highlight on the snooker table saw Drago on course for a 145 clearance but he missed the final red.

However, on the pool table, local players had more success against the Malta potter.

Darren Davies looked as if he was going to be seven-balled, but managed to sink some incredible pots to clear the table and to secure victory.

Meanwhile, Kenny Richards overcame Drago with clever tactical play and superb potting, although local pool star Darren Begley didn’t manage to win a single frame.

Drago said afterwards: “It is not often you have the pleasure to play at a venue that boasts such fantastic tables.

“I have played in clubs all around the country and the world, and it isn’t often you see a club that has tables of that standard.

“I will be looking to come down the week before the World Championships to get some practice in with Stephen Lee, who also practises here.”

Club owner Noel Paul added: “We would like to thank all our members and guests for attending, Tony for being so much fun and also Glas Weld for sponsoring the evening.”

The club will hold another exhibition in the near future at which they plan to attract another star name.