Tony Drago Gets Brutally Honest Playing Snooker With Stephen
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- This week, the "Tornado" Tony Drago joins Stephen for a fantastic conversation and frame of snooker. Tony opens up on the current state of snooker, his career achievements and why he still adores the game so much. There's some lovely snooker on show here too, so let us know in the comments if you enjoyed this one.
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I could be wrong but I felt Stephen enjoyed this one more than any I've seen.
I got the impression Stephen was comfortably potting in so many crackers here because maybe just chillin with Drago who was so casual and speedy round the table stopped Stephen from overthinking and worrying about missing shots so much.
Best line ever. Retired on a Monday. Forgotten on Tuesday.
Cough, cough - John Parrott. Easy to forget he ever played a game.
@@simatbirch That's a bad example. I remember JP losing to Steve Davis 18-3.in 1989. I don't recall JP having played again after that. I do seem to recall The Crucible Curse got the better of Stephen Hendry in 1991 though. 😛 A better example would be... ooh ooh... that guy I don't recall who achieved nothing in the game... errr... what's his name??? Errrr..... let me look him up... errrr.... just a moment pls... errr... burden... yeah alfy burden. Yeah, I'd forgotten who he is or what he ever did....was he even a snooker player? He must have been utter rubbish if he was.... coz I've forgotten what he did...
Sadly that's 99% of us.😂
Enjoyed all of Stephens videos but this is the best he's done so far, great character Tony
It is a great video except for the lack of snooker playing. I really wanted to see tony play.c he just can't talk and play at the same time. Lol.
If Tony was playing on the TV in the 80's or 90's you knew you were in for a treat. Pure entertainment what a legend
I have watched all of his matches on TH-cam. I have been playing pool ....8 ball, 9 ball, 10 ball, straight pool and one pocket for 45 years and had never heard of snooker until 4 years ago. I've been addicted since. I still watch it every night on TH-cam when I lay down to go to bed at night. But I have watched all of Tony's matches on TH-cam. You're right. He definitely was entertaining. Great player too. And great pool player too.
@@egroegartfart I take it you live in the US, as Snooker at certain times of the year in the UK here, is omnipresent on the TV?
@@gaskellr44 snooker is never on television in the
U S. Not once ever that I know of.
@@egroegartfart So you are in the US?
He's clearly still a very handy player. What a guy.
He really is, he did well here. I love watching him play, he’s got a lovely cue action.
Before Ronnie, you had Tony Drago.
Remember people not even interested in snooker would watch him because he was so entertaining!
He already had Ronnie once.
Also Alex Higgins, Cliff Wilson and Jimmy White, all great to watch in the 80s and early 90s.
@@sharpvidtube
The King of Snooker👑 . The 👑King of The Crucible , 👑King of UKC & King of The Masters. The Rocket 🚀. I'm 60 years a old and get goosebumps watching him play incredibly talented. The years he missed because of family and drugs for what he accomplished is sensational. I wanna see #8 I have his picture on my wall #7 world title. Good luck Ronnie I look forward to seeing you playing anytime. I wish I could see him in person that would be final wish that would complete my life. 😊
GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan 🐐🏆👌
@@sharpvidtube Time to get over the fact that Ronnie is far better than Hendry in every metric of the game. More ranking and major titles than Hendry.
More centuries and 147s. Better century per frame,better all game and better to watch than Hendry and faster player. The GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan also leads Hendry 9-4 in finals and 30-21 Head to Head. Cry a little more
@@sharpvidtube Hendry never won a TC title for 12 years 1999-2012 . From 30YO to 42YO.
Hendry never won a ranking event for 7 years 2005-2012. From 35YO TO 42YO.
He wont be a top 32 player today his comeback proves it. Never went beyond first round!
Standard got too high for Hendry why he was washed up by 30. Hendry is no Ronnie O'Sullivan the all era GOAT , and greatest player of all time.
Ronnie O'Sullivan will always be the GOAT , until his 41 ranking and 23 tc titles record is surpassed, and it wont be the weak era champion Stephen Hendry to beat the GOAT ROS relevant records. REST ASSURED
Tony came to my local snooker club in Lye near Stourbridge a few years ago, best exhibition that we had. He was knocking in centuries all night and was so personable.
He did an exhibition in my local club in North London around 10 years ago, I told him his 3 minute century was the best thing i'd seen on a snooker table, he seemed to appreciate the compliment
Ah man how did I not hear about this!? Only down the road. 😢
He was in my local snooker club in Pontypool in 1991. None of the club players could beat him.
Must have been more then a few years ago. I grew up in that club in 90's it's been gone over 10 years. I live the other side of High St. I moved there 2015 and it was gone then. Shame really. Minnesota Fats is now flats and the old Rileys up Brierley Hill has seen better days.....
I love Tony, what a legend! Very underrated!
This is my favourite episode yet! He does what he wants!
Go on Tony! ❤
I dropped everything to watch this video. Terrific stuff!
@@jeffreyhampton9130 Did your balls drop as well?
He is a legend of the game but definitely NOT underrated. He was at best a very average player. :)
Anyone who get’s to No. 10 in the world is hardly average. You have to compare within an era rather than current standards. John McEnroe in his prime would struggle against players in the top few hundred today, but games and levels change over time, as does equipment.
@@nickpearsonuk No. 10 in the world is pretty good....but again, you wont convince me Tony Drago was anything other than a small fish in a large tank...surrounded by sharks....constantly getting mauled. = a generous average. :)
Great to see Tony is doing well a proper legend
If We had more players like Tony today with his character, the game would be on another level.
Absolutely loved watching this guy in 90's
Great character. His brother Ivan is was a fantastic boxer as well.
'I must break off'
Mate, 😂
Not many will understand your witty little comment, but thanks for the effort
you had me there for a second!
Cue the AK-147.
Rocky
Get stephen lee on
oof! Yes, definitely! He's served his time. He's square with house again.
100% agree I have commented the same thing on a few videos! The man paid his dues. It would be great to see what his game is like now! And see what his plans are going forward.
Hes paid the £150,000 fine since 2 months ago?@realaledrinker3733
@Psybxx you don't know the circumstances he was in at the time. Just love the game. don't hate the players!
@@realaledrinker3733 Absolutely. Smooth action, tremendous power. I'd watch him compete.
Full flowing Tony was by far the most entertaining snooker you could see
This channel really is gold for fans. I'd always seen Tony playing on TV, but never known much about the man himself. I love his outlook on life. Still plays cracking shots too!
Smiling through the whole thing. Awesome
Tony Drago was one of my top favourites watching snooker as a kid in the 90s. Great to see him still around
I miss Tony Drago and I don't make light of this in saying the best version of him really had the cue ball on a string. His cue action really was one of the best I've seen as a Snooker fan; he effectively stuns nearly every shot he played.
Gotta love the tornado plays snooker how it’s supposed to be played
I like fast and slow players, the first match I watched as a kid, was Alex Higgins vs Cliff Thorburn. I've loved both styles of play ever since.
Fantastic episode Stephen, Tony is a right character, great to watch & hear his memories. Genuinely enjoyed this! ❤
This'll be a 3min vid.
No it's 26mins 27 seconds still pretty short.
@@MikeBarratt-lk3gtNPC
Lol. Love it mate😂
3 minutes 33 seconds
@@user-fyw2o89h what a frame that was!
No better sight in snooker than seeing Tony make century.#hedidithisway
"im not going to mention any names" - 2:01 "when i play steve davis...." I wonder what he was going to say before Hendry skillfully cuts him off? :D:D
What a character Tony is ..must have been so hard for the oversea players missing their families....Loving these talks and memories. I've been a fan since the early 80's. Steve Davis and Stephen were almost unbeatable in their time...x
I can still remember how Tony embraced Jimmy after Jimmys 147 ; it was really heartfelt and I can remember thinking what a nice bloke Tony must be.
YES!
Wish we could see the 147 Tony made, that must've been amazing.
@@sharpvidtube Tony's 147 was near as fast the GOAT Ronnie's 147 🐐👍
My God that was absolutely phenomenal. What a chap and character Tony Drago is. Halcyon days they was.
Roger Bales was, coincidentally, the player whom Clive Everton won his pairs snooker title with. RIP to Clive, probably the most legendary snooker journalist we'll ever see.
I've never clicked on a video quicker.
Hes referring to Ebdon slowing him down in the second round at the worlds I believe
Several players did that, but he could upset their game too, so it worked both ways.
@sharpvidtube Are you serious? A naturally fast player vs a bunch of players who slowed down even more than usual to try and play mind games. It was clear who was actually trying to upset who's game on purpose.
This was brilliant, Tony had/has so much natural talent it's unreal. Laughed so many times 👏
What a guy Tony is,I met him a few times what you see is what you get. I agree with the legend quote 100 percent.
A very enjoyable episode, Stephen. Open, emotional at times, funny... Clearly can see the friendship and mutual respect. And Tony and you can still pot, man! Most importantly, real bonding between mates and sharing warm memories. Great stuff!
i still say tony, and cliff wilson, were the best players to watch.
tony's double on that black was outrageous
Totally agree, Tony, Alex, Cliff, Meo and Jimmy.
Always loved watching him in 90s, sometimes too quick but talent was always there and could have won events. Like jimmy, silly mistakes were costly. Great pool player too.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, nice to hear Tony talking about the old days.
Drago in the zone was a great watch..just didn't happen often enough.
One of the reasons Stephens so brilliant at what he does on this channel is that he's happy to listen. In Tony's case , thats just as well!
Recently saw Drago play at the European Open (I think?) in 9 ball pool and it felt like a breath of fresh air. No overthinking and giving the opponent a compliment for a good pot/safety. It just breathes so much more lifr in the game
Had the privilege of watching these 2 play brilliant to see them back on the table together!
Great episode. Could happily watch another hour of Tony chatting away. Good to see him looking so well and smiling. Looked in excellent touch as well.
I know nothing about Tony Drago. I am kind of shocked by his potting skills. It's amazing!!!
Absolute legend. Was so lucky to grow up watching snooker in the 80s and 90s seeing that crop of players.
Brilliant stuff. The sort of guy you'd pay money to watch. Just incredible natural talent. When he was in the groove and didn't have time to (over) think about shots it was like watching a machine. One of my favourite ever sportsmen to watch as a kid.
This is actually LEGENDARY if you know the history.This guys lived another life in the past.
Tony's century in 3 minutes against John Higgins remains one of the most impressive frames of snooker
Concur!
It has to be more than 3 minutes because officially fastes century break is from Ronnie O'Sullivan 3:22
@@udtojanpestillos2094 During the 2022 Scottish Open, Ronnie O'Sullivan came three seconds shy of Drago's record with a century break in 3 minutes 34 seconds
My thoughts exactly
Our Maltese Legend🇲🇹🇲🇹
This was my favourite video Stephen, tony is such a lovely man and so genuine what a great time you had catching up with an old friend.
Best one yet Stephen, Tony the legend, he's right most players today are boring and should consider the fan's.
Stephen laughed exactly as hard as me at that one 😄😄 Top bloke Tony 👍
The venues are mostly packed now. I enjoy players like Tony, but also like the intensity that modern players have. Mark Williams is still a character, but he can play to a very high standard.
Least time taken down on a shot, Tony is in a league of his own. Alex was quick, but ran around the table.
Interviews like this one are why even those of us who've never played the game of snooker are subscribed to this channel.
tony drago speedy gonzales of snooker
Such a character and a true legend of cue sports. Always exciting to watch play and, having met him before, a gentleman. I always remember one time when he potted a yellow into a middle with screaming backspin, and it flew round the cushions and back among the reds. One of the craziest shots I had ever seen! Great to see him still thriving
It’s great to see all these pros and ex pros but I think you should take your channel on the road and visit peoples locals and put their club on the map. God knows grass roots snooker needs it, any youngsters watching might see it and say ‘that’s down the road, I can play there’ at the same time it will get more interest in your channel if people think they might have a chance of getting you to their club and having a frame with a 7 time legend. In my town alone we have gone from having 10 snooker teams to just 1. There’s only 1 club open now, it’s crazy how it’s dying
Its a great idea. He plays best player in each club giving them a 50 start
what a treat, tony was fascinating to watch play, and fascinating to listen to as well.
Funny to watch his imitation of a young pro’s reaction on getting a maximum nowadays 🤣🤣🤣
*Rare to see Hendry laugh like that - well done Drago* 😂
Tony still shoots lights out
Drago's caption of 'robots' encapsulates time and what the world is now compared to then. Why do we often go all nostalgic and reminisce? The adults essentially from a range of different facets had personality; be it sport, music, television, performing arts/film. Snooker as we know had something special, even when making a Maxi, there was a personality of great Prize Money 🙂
Legend, Two of Them. Tony what a player.
Well done guys! Great to know Tony better, but so excited to see Stephen that open minded as an interviewer ❤
Tony cant talk and play at the same time. Lol. I kept thinking .......steven, please stop asking him questions i want to see how he still plays. Lol.
Gotta love the Maltese 🇲🇹 Falcon
Great to see Drago on the channel need to get James Wattana on as well and Emma Parker
First professional match together - 1989 Dubai Classic 5-3 to Hendry
Last - 2008 Malta Cup. 4-2 to Hendry
Good God 11 seconds...makes Ronnie look like Ebdon.
Those were the days. Alex, Jimmy, Steve and Bill W. knocking down the beers!
Silvino Francisco
Mike Hallett
Tony Knowles
Tony Meo
Kirk Stevens
Let’s get all the old school on Cue Tips!
May as well invite Rex Williams while he's at it...although unfortunately Mike Hallett had a stroke several years ago and hasn't done any commentary work since, so maybe he wouldn't be able to do something like this at the minute.
I remember Silvino Francisco being a pretty dodgy character, but I'd love to see the others on the channel. I'm not sure whether Tony Meo or Kirk Stevens play any more, though.
@@sjake8308
Doesn’t matter if they still play nowadays, they’re all a part of snooker’s history.
Nice to see Tony playing and looking well!
Tony is always a legend. Loved to watch him play. Back when snooker players had personalities so I do get what he says about robots.
What a character unfortunately I've never seen him play but clearly he has skills even today lovely cue action I think he is right in his opinions on the game. I think you two should partner up for practicing often.
18:43 That anecdote about the 75 break followed by the 135 to win the match cracked me up :D
Quickest half hour of my life. Drago you’re a legend
TD still has that rolls Royce cue action
his comment about his name being famous rings so true to me bc before I even got into snooker so heavily like I am now I knew his name and I don't know how which speaks to his fame. also helps that he has a cool memorable name.
Two legends
Tony Drago ❤️
a legend. and such a nice guy. was still rooting for him hard in the seniors. made some fantastic breaks.
Always great to see Tony.
legend vs legend. love this.
Tony was either brilliant or awful no middle ground,but always entertaining,zero temperament,if he was on,you watched.
I wouldn't say zero temperament, he had some great wins, you don't beat Hendry 3 times in a row, having lost to him so many times, with zero temperament.
@@sharpvidtube Hendry & Judd will be chasing the great man Ronnie O'Sullivans records for the rest of their lives.
8 UK & 8 Masters 23 TC titles. Not a chance in hell.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is our greatest player of all time and will always be the greatest GOAT 🐐🏆👌
@@sharpvidtube
Hendry turned pro in 1985, and the GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992. The same year the greatest Ronnie turned pro as a 17 year old he beat Stephen Hendry in the 1993 UKC finals, and again in the 1997 UKC finals. Hendry cried & wet his knickers. Ronnie also leads Hendry 9-4 in finals and has a winning overrall record over Hendry.
Hendry fan boys cant handle the fact Stephen Hendry couldn't live with Ronnie O'Sullivan. Its in their head to head , facts.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was so great that when he turned 23yo in 1999. he started wiping the floor with Hendry.
Only one real GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan 🐐🏆👌
@@sharpvidtube Mathew Stevens leads Stephen Hendry 2.0 in finals and 17-14 H2H.
So don't brag the hazbin Hendry is not as great as you think.
@@sharpvidtube Hendry never won a TC title for 12 years 1999-2012 . From 30YO to 42YO.
Hendry never won a ranking event for 7 years 2005-2012. From 35YO TO 42YO.
He wont be a top 32 player today his comeback proves it. Never went beyond first round!
Standard got too high for Hendry why he was washed up by 30. Hendry is no Ronnie O'Sullivan the all era GOAT , and greatest player of all time.
Ronnie O'Sullivan will always be the GOAT , until his 41 ranking and 23 tc titles record is surpassed, and it wont be the weak era champion Stephen Hendry to beat the GOAT ROS relevant records. REST ASSURED
Invite stephen lee
No.
He would literally chew the scenery
My favourite video yet with the legend. grazi hafna Tony for doing this.
Great legend, lovely to see Tony Deago on your show, he's not changed a bit lol. Keep them coming Stephen.
I am a 30-break player and it feels warm and fuzzy to hear Stephen and Tony say players like us can hold a cue.
Stephen may be 18-3 ahead. But last time I saw you both play Tony won 9-0 at Frames in Coulsdon about 7 years ago. I was playing on the table opposite. My dad saw 17 year old Tony make a 140 break at Wandsworth Snooker Hall around 1982/3.
Oh man the nostalgia with this one. Some of my earliest memories of snooker are of these 2.
I actually was slightly intimidated by Tony as a kid, cos he looked like a mafia boss and he seemed angry. But obviously it was just pure passion and he's a total easy going guy. Very typical Maltese.
And great respect to think about sacrificing total precision perfection for longevity and a happy life. He made it work for him.
thanks for bringing him on, under achieved, but beauty like Alex & Ronnie )
He is my FAV 9 ball player!
I loved this! I only wished you would’ve asked him about the Mosconi
Would’ve been some really cool stories
Amazing content, with another indisputably legend. Tony Drago has influenced a lot of players and even snooker psychologists cause he looks, chooses, positions and shoots all in 10 seconds or less.
What an absolute gental man 👍
What a character n what a player like jimmy white they wer the mavericks of snooker same witb alex higgins they wer looked down on cast aside by the snooker establishment. A shame there's no characters like that in the sport now adays No maynem unpredictability maybe ronnie is the only one he says it as it is 😅. Great channel stephen keep it up t 👍
I have to say that was the best one yet.
He's so down to earth and so open and honest.
And i think Stephen really enjoyed meeting him too..!
Tony having a long chat then getting down and knocking that long red in at 9:57 is kinda nuts, especially with a borrowed cue. So natural.
Drago what a legend fastest snooker player ever to pick up a cue he was super lightning fast made Jimmy white seem slow lol
Tony reminds me of Cliff Wilson now. Great character 👏
Cliff Wilson beat Ronnie, around the age Tony is now. Loved watching him play.
@@sharpvidtube Ronnie beat Hendry in pomp as a 17 year old at the UKC finals 1993. He also leads Hendry 9-4 in finals and 30-21 H2H.
Keep the hate comments coming when the original comment had nothing to do with Ronnie . What sad life you must have.
@@sharpvidtube Marcus Campbell whitewashed Stephen Hendry 9-0.
Loved watch Marcus play.
@@sharpvidtube Ding leads Hendry 1-0 in finals, and 10-4 H2H. So give it a rest instead of over selling the hazbin Hendry. Love watching Maguire play 👍
@@sharpvidtube Pretty sure Ronnie leads princessyips Hendry, John the cheat & club level Davis H2H & in finals
He made them 3 his fannies 👍
Loved watching Tony Drago back in the day. Great vid this one
Tony was always a near mythical figure. Fun to watch. I wish I'd seen him on the tele more.
Really good that. Great character.
Before my era, but he seems like a genuinely nice guy.
Btw m8 he made Ronnie look pedestrian!! 😂