Drago breaks Bond's hold

HOLDER Nigel Bond kissed goodbye to his British Open trophy last night after a tame surrender of his title against Malta's Tony Drago.

Father-to-be Bond lost 5-1 in the last 16, failing to reproduce the standard of snooker that brought the downfall of local boy Andy Hicks on Tuesday.

"I've no excuses, I just played badly," said the 31-year-old World number five. "At least I'll be home now for when the baby arrives."

Bond never recovered from losing the fourth frame when Drago potted pink and black after obtaining a snooker on the pink.

"That was a big turning point. I never got into again after the interval," added the former-champion. "But Tony potted some good balls and I can't take anything away from him."