Tony Drago, the Maltese Falcon, hates flying but Christmas is one time he puts his fears to one side to try and get home to Malta if he can.

Mr. Drago will be playing in the 2013 qualifiers for the Haikou World Open, which happen before Christmas. This means it won't be easy for him to make it home.

“But if I make it, I’ll spend Christmas with my mum. My aunt and her family also come round”. Christmas, according to Tony Drago, entails large quantities of food, cooked by his mum. From the traditional Christmas turkey, to joints of beef, it’s all part of his experience.

“Of course the one thing we never get is a White Christmas!” the Snooker player proclaimed.

“When I was little I was so spoiled. I was the only child and I got anything I wanted. So I don’t have one ‘best present’. Every present was a best present.” Its’ been five years since Drago’s been to Malta and he misses his family.

The Maltese Falcon lost his top during the last event. He was playing Alan McManus and thought he had the game in the bag, until he played a bad shot and exploded.

“I’d like to say sorry to everyone for my ‘head-banging’ at the last event. I know it’s no excuse but I just lost my temper,” he said.

Mr. Drago apologised to his competitor after the game.

“He was really nice about it and said not to worry, we’ve all been there and know what the pressure can be like”.