Tony Drago Gets Brutally Honest Playing Snooker With Stephen
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- 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.
_________________________________________________________________________
Buy 'Me and the Table - My Autobiography' - amzn.to/3Urqb3o
Follow Stephen on Social:
Facebook: / cuetipsofficial
TikTok: / stephenhendryscuetips
Twitter: / shendry775
Instagram: / s_hendry775
#cuetips #snooker #stephenhendry
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.😂
@@simatbirch The 1991 World Champion?
@@sonicdiablo8968 yeah, and whoever talks about that? Dull. No-one ever talks about Parrot when talking about the ‘greats of the game’ or the ‘good old days’.
I could be wrong but I felt Stephen enjoyed this one more than any I've seen.
Yea I started watching and couldn't stop
@Guv-d1w Worst melt down in snooker history was when Marcus Campbell who isn't a great player whitewashed Stephen Hendry 9-0 👍
Agreed, proper embrace at the end too.
@Guv-d1w You make no sense. So you lie! The most successful player in history the GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan doesn't need to be defended. Then lesser player who have won less than the greatest like Hendry & Judd need to be defended. We know who defends Judd & Jack who has won F'all Haha 👍
@@JayChambers83 Yes true. Hendry was in awe and star struck with Ronnie. That's why the embrace. Ronnie episode on Cue-Tips is most watch on Cue Tips. Over 2m views.
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 RUclips. 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 RUclips when I lay down to go to bed at night. But I have watched all of Tony's matches on RUclips. 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.
Nice to see the tornado still playing in the seniors. Like the whirlwind and the hurricane made the game exciting to watch.
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 We had more players like Tony today with his character, the game would be on another level.
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.....
@PeterMc141 not surprising haha. We had Parrott at our club in Blackburn a few years ago, one guy got him to the black. I potted one ball against him, couldn't feel my fingers 😂 had only been playing a couple of years then.
I bet Drago in exhibitions is pure class. Legend of the game.
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
Full flowing Tony was by far the most entertaining snooker you could see
Him or ronnie
Nah ! Have to disagree , Big Bill Wurbenek with 19 pints on board was far more entertaining ! 😅😊
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 round 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
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!
He's really very good at it.
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. :)
Tony Drago was one of my top favourites watching snooker as a kid in the 90s. Great to see him still around
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!
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.
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 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
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
@@lazarusjambon1288 doesn’t have to be the best player, could be team captains I’m sure plenty of them have a lot of stories or maybe a rising star?
we used to have 7 divisions of 13 teams and 2 billiards now down to 3 snooker divs
@@wilf5068 exactly, the grass roots needs help. We had 3 leagues with about 45 teams now we have 1 league and only 12 teams. Giving clubs exposure is surely going to encourage people to play. Pool is having a resurgence in my area so why can’t snooker?
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
Smiling through the whole thing. Awesome
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!
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
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.
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.
Absolutely loved watching this guy in 90's
Same here. Sure, we didn’t expect him to get far in most tournaments, but my god it was entertaining while it lasted!
❤❤❤❤❤
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 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..!
My God that was absolutely phenomenal. What a chap and character Tony Drago is. Halcyon days they was.
Had the privilege of watching these 2 play brilliant to see them back on the table together!
Interviews like this one are why even those of us who've never played the game of snooker are subscribed to this channel.
Absolute legend. Was so lucky to grow up watching snooker in the 80s and 90s seeing that crop of players.
Tony Drago is what you could call a value for money player. I've seen him play once in one of the senior events a year or two ago and even in his late 50s he played an entertaining game pullling out some great pots. One of the great characters from his era you would want to watch on TV.
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.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, nice to hear Tony talking about the old days.
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
No better sight in snooker than seeing Tony make century.#hedidithisway
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.
How can you not love Tony Drago. He’s such a gentleman. Wears his heart on his sleeve. Brilliant to watch. Great to see him on this channel.
Fantastic episode Stephen, Tony is a right character, great to watch & hear his memories. Genuinely enjoyed this! ❤
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
This was brilliant, Tony had/has so much natural talent it's unreal. Laughed so many times 👏
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.
@@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 MOST TIMES. Undeniable fact 🤭🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫😂
Only one real GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan 🐐🏆👌
I remember playing at a pro-am at Tottenham in 1985 when Tony had just arrived on the snooker scene. He had a real special aura about him, nobody played the game like he did, the excitement and buzz he brought I will never forget…a special unique talent
This is actually LEGENDARY if you know the history.This guys lived another life in the past.
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.
I've never clicked on a video quicker.
Always enjoyed watching Tony as a kid. What a cool guy. Still got it!
I know nothing about Tony Drago. I am kind of shocked by his potting skills. It's amazing!!!
holy shit lad - where u been?
This is the best one Stephen has done so far, you just got to love Tony Drago, what a legend he really is, I think Stephen should do more with Tony, I think there’s so much more to tell and it’s so refreshing to have such honesty, ABSOLUTELY SUPERB..
Great interview. You can tell these two genuinely like each other. Tony seems such a top bloke.
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.
Yeh its endearing to see how much Stephen enjoys talking to Tony & the respect that he has for him. Great video.
Well done guys! Great to know Tony better, but so excited to see Stephen that open minded as an interviewer ❤
what a treat, tony was fascinating to watch play, and fascinating to listen to as well.
Glad to have watched Tony Drago at his peak, and good to still see him playing.
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.
We need to cherish these legends. What a fantastic era they played in ❤
"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
The slow players of the time that might have held him up I would. But Tony avoided naming them although we can all imagine.
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.
Legend, Two of Them. Tony what a player.
It is refreshing to see some emotion, passion, tears, flair and character. Tony Drago encapsulates all of this in the way he plays and how he wears his heart on his sleeve. A true legend of the game.
Our Maltese Legend🇲🇹🇲🇹
Probably your best interview yet, Tony Drago is absolutely full of character.
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.
Thats easily one of my faves videos you have done. Great to see Tony flying round the table again
*Rare to see Hendry laugh like that - well done Drago* 😂
this is perfection, never would have guessed that Tony Drago interview would be my favorite.
Man Tony is such a down to earth guy, absolutely love him and hope he's doing ok. What a legend!
Just brilliant that was. I was born in 67 so Tony was rattling in balls in warp speed time when I was a teenager. Been to see him play live many times, great player and enormous character. Snooker was so much more entertaining then. Tony - "Robots now"- correct.
Nice to see Tony playing and looking well!
He is a legend, met him once, very nice human being. Will never be forgotten in my book! This is lovely to see. Heart on his sleeve, not afraid to show emotion, best men.
Great to see Drago on the channel need to get James Wattana on as well and Emma Parker
I've met Tony a few times but at pool events . Last year in Malta he was in the Masters side such as myself, and in Cyprus in 2019 where he just turned up out of the blue. I think he only entered the singles. He's a demon on the pool table. Not 9 ball but 8 ball blackball pool. Lovely man and top competitor.
Always great to see Tony.
What a great video. Tony Drago - such a character and a great sense of humour. I remember watching him in the 80s/90s and he was a terrific potter - and still is! I was surprised to read he'd only won 2 pro tournaments but after watching this I can see why now - he had other priorities in life and enjoyed himself.
Tony reminds me of Cliff Wilson now. Great character 👏
Cliff Wilson beat Ronnie, around the age Tony is now. Loved watching him 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 👍
@@sharpvidtube Maguire owns Hendry 6-1 H2H, and slaughtered him 13-2 at the Crucible. Same way Ronnie slaughtered Hendry 17-4 & 17-6 at the Crucible.
Love watching Ronnie & Maguire play.
@@sharpvidtube The Great Ali Carter owns Hendry 9-4 H2H. Love watching him play.
Nice to see Tony getting with 4th win against Stephen.
This was pure gold. Watching Tony play and chat was fabulous. He was so at ease and willing to telling it exaclty like it was, no BS, just honest truth. Still a good player and certainly not lost his skills.
a legend. and such a nice guy. was still rooting for him hard in the seniors. made some fantastic breaks.
A great ep! So refreshing to hear snooker players speak in an unfiltered way and from the heart. Tony was always like that. He can still pot a ball in style too…..I wish they mentioned his fastest century record and his pool success…..overall, this was really fun to watch.
Drago in the zone was a great watch..just didn't happen often enough.
Maltese legend. Loved watching him play with my dad
The language sounds very interesting.
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!
i often thought if Tony slowed down a bit he could of been a better player but then he wouldnt of been Tony,one of the most naturally gifted players ever
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.
@@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
@@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 MOST TIMES
Only one real GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan 🐐🏆👌
@WayneAnthonyHolmes-rd6yy Why are you even here get a life. Go to another topic 😂.
2002 cough 😂
18:43 That anecdote about the 75 break followed by the 135 to win the match cracked me up :D
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.
such a huge love for tony, what a character and what a player!
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.
Top guy Tony, lovely to see him playing snooker.
Tony still shoots lights out
I've got to say that this is one of my favourite episodes ever. The banter between Stephen and Tony is priceless.
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.
Watch each and everyone of these posts but this has to be one of the best. Loved Drago as he was so honest and raw. Keep them coming Stephen x
Love Tony Drago, what a great outlook he has about his snooker career.
Tony Drago is a legend. Growing up watching him was pure class. Such a risky game player. Amazing to watch 🤝
Least time taken down on a shot, Tony is in a league of his own. Alex was quick, but ran around the table.
For me this is the best episode I've seen on the channel. Tony is a totally genuine, honest lad and he just happens to be the most naturally gifted player I've ever seen. His speed of thought on the table is nothing short of genius.
Seems like a genuinely lovely guy ❤
What a lovely video! The huge love & respect Stephen has for Tony is plain to see!
legend vs legend. love this.
I've always liked Tony Drago and great player to watch. As someone the same age as these guys now I remember the snooker of the 80's and 90's was a great era. Hendry was so dominant in the 90's it was literally ridiculous But Drago was always an exciting player, and didn't mess about and got on with it! Happy days, really enjoyed this. Was good to see Tony in one of the shootouts not so long ago too.