World Pool Masters
Recap
Published April 13, 2026
Malta's Tony Drago, known as The Tornado, won the 2003 World Pool Masters in Egmond, Netherlands, defeating Taiwan's Hsia Hui-kai 8-6 in the final. The victory marked a significant achievement for Drago, who had transitioned from snooker to pool and was establishing himself on the international 9-ball circuit.
The tournament featured 16 elite players. Drago reached the final with victories over notable opponents including four-time U.S. Open champion Earl Strickland and Canadian player Alex Pagulayan, who would win his own World Pool Masters title five years later. The field included legends like Efren Reyes, Ralf Souquet, and snooker player Steve Davis, elevating the tournament's status as pool's premier invitational event.
Drago's victory was notable given his background primarily in snooker, where he had reached a career-high ranking of 10th in the world and won two professional titles. The Tornado nickname reflects his quick pace around the table. Drago earned a $20,000 winner's prize, while runner-up Hsia collected $10,000.
The final matched Drago's aggressive, fast-paced approach against Hsia's more methodical style. The 8-6 scoreline reflected a competitive match between the two players. This victory became one of Drago's most significant pool achievements, complementing his later success at the 2008 Predator International 10-ball Championship.
The 2003 World Pool Masters also featured strong performances from Dutch players Alex Lely and Nick van den Berg, who reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively. The tournament's format and field provided a demanding test of skill, with Drago's victory establishing him as a legitimate threat on the global pool stage.
Sources: Tony Drago – Wikipedia Matchroom Pool
This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.