Ebdon - level against Drago (Getty Images)
DRAGO KEEPS CHAMPION WITHIN HIS GRASP
Click here for Crucible scoreboard
Click here for latest results
Click here for order of play
Click here for more from the Crucible
Tony Drago was true to his word as he began his bid to end the reign of
Embassy world champion Peter Ebdon in Sheffield tonight.
The popular Maltese professional spoke of his desire not to fall behind after
the opening session following his first round win over Joe Swail last night.
And after the first eight frames of his three-day clash with the title holder,
Drago was still in contention.
The opening session was not pretty or - given Drago's reputation for potting
balls at lightning pace - exactly quick.
But he managed to end the evening all square at 4-4 and will look to build on
that scoreline when the game resumes tomorrow afternoon.
Drago, playing at the Crucible for a 12th time, made the perfect start as he
whipped through the opening two frames in only 22 minutes.
World number three Ebdon, attempting to become the only first time Sheffield
winner to defend the trophy, managed just 19 points as Drago chalked up 162 in
reply.
Ebdon, an easy 10-3 winner over Gerard Greene on the opening day of the
championship last Saturday, opened his account in frame three.
However, Drago, back in action less than 24 hours after his 10-8 upset win
over Swail, compiled another half century to regain his two-frames cushion.
When the match resumed the pace slowed and Ebdon picked off the next three
frames to take the lead for the first time.
He could have led 5-3 but missed the third last red and later the final green
before Drago knocked in green, brown and blue to obtain parity.
The duo play a further eight frames tomorrow and finish off with the remaining
nine on Saturday morning. The winner plays Paul Hunter or Matthew Stevens for a
place in the semi-finals.
Click here to send us your sporting feedback
