The 2005-2006 season got under way officially yesterday at the Guild Hall in Preston, England, with the qualifying rounds of the Grand Prix competition.

Among those playing on the first day was Malta’s Tony Drago who had a good start as he beat wild card entry and former world semi-finalist Steve James 5-2 to reach the last 64 round where he is now scheduled to face Barry Hawkins.

The other Maltese professional, Alex Borg, will be in action today in the first qualifying round. He is scheduled to meet Gerard Greene.