Malta’s team of Tony Drago and Alex Borg suffered their second consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of Australia, and once again missing out on the last frame.

After having lost 3-2 against China on the opening day, the Maltese duo lost by the same scoreline against Australia yesterday.

Malta took the lead with Tony Drago beating 2010 world champion Neil Robertson. Australia levelled when Steve Mifsud, of Maltese origin, beat Alex Borg. But the Maltese were back in the lead – 2-1 – after winning the doubles frame. In the reverse singles, both Drago and Borg lost their frames, Drago going down to Mifsud and Borg losing to Robertson.

After the match, Robertson praised team-mate Steve Mifsud as Australia continued their winning start at the PTT-EGAT Snooker World Cup.

Amateur player Mifsud saved Australia from defeat as he recorded singles victories over Drago and Borg in yesterday’s 3-2 win.

The success, along with Australia’s 4-1 triumph over Thailand 1 on Monday, leaves Australia top of the table and Robertson was delighted with Mifsud’s form.

“Steve hasn’t played under this kind of pressure and it’s good for him to produce the goods when it matters,” Robertson told World Snooker.

“He really did well. I lost the first frame and you don’t want to go 2-0 down in this format but if it wasn’t for Steve we would’ve lost the match.

“He was under pressure twice and won twice. He beat James Wattana on Monday and has now beaten Tony Drago and Alex Borg.

“In our country it means a bit more to play for your country than in other places and they wouldn’t get as much coverage if they won as we would get.

“We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves but we’ve got off to the perfect start and this is the toughest one of the groups.”

Mifsud, 39, who will also be in action later this month in the Australian Goldfields Open immediately after this event, was delighted to get this opportunity. 

“I play amateur snooker in Australia so it’s a privilege to play with Neil and it’s very exciting,” said Mifsud. “I’m just happy to be out there so it’s nice to be knocking a few balls in.

“I never imagined that I would be playing in a professional tournament like this and to be here with these players. There are some very talented players here from lots of different countries.

“As a kid I remember watching Tony Drago as my parents were born in Malta, although I was born in Australia, so I have a connection with Malta.

“Tony Drago inspired me to play snooker as a kid so this was a really big match for me.”

Malta’s next encounter today is against Thailand 1. Tomorrow they face the United Arab Emirates.