Snooker: Drago delight, Hendry hurt

TONY DRAGO described his first-ever Benson and Hedges Masters victory yesterday as the finest result of his career. The 33-year-old Maltese player finally came good at the expense of the six-times Wembley winner Stephen Hendry after four previous failures in the tournament.

And while Drago was ecstatic by his 6-4 success - his third win in a row over Hendry after 12 consecutive defeats - the world No 2 was once again plunged into the depths of despair. Hendry said he was "getting used to it" after his latest Drago defeat but would not elaborate on losing an opening match at Wembley for the first time.

Drago, the London-based world No 10, said: "Considering where I was playing, who I was playing and how I played this has to be my best-ever result. I don't care if Stephen had been playing blindfolded. To beat him three times is a great achievement."

Drago went 3-0 ahead and despite fighting back Hendry could not get in front. Drago's finale was special. In only 12 minutes he knocked in back-to-back efforts of 121 and 116 while Hendry potted just one ball.

Alan McManus also reached the last eight with a 6-2 win over the Grand Prix champion Stephen Lee.