Watch: Snooker legend Higgins looking forward to facing his close friend Tony Drago in an exhibition match on Friday

Two snooker legends will go head-to-head at the Peace Band Club in Naxxar as Tony Drago will face John Higgins in an exhibition to celebrate 100 years of snooker in Naxxar on Friday.

Higgins is a very popular figure in world snooker and enjoys a lot of popularity in Malta, and no doubt his presence, together with that of the Maltese legend Tony Drago, will guarantee an evening to remember for all those who will attend the exhibition match on Friday.

John Higgins was visibly delighted to be back in Malta and to be playing with his long-time friend, Tony Drago.

“I am delighted to be back in Malta,” Higgins said.

“The last time I played here was 20 years ago, and it has always been great to perform here in Malta. When Tony Drago spoke to me about the opportunity to come back here, I immediately accepted.

“At the moment, we have a very busy snooker schedule with tournaments being held almost every week, and to be honest, if there was only one person I would have accepted to come for was Tony Drago as he is a very special person and dear friend of mine.

“I love Tony Drago, as we shared so many memories on the Tour together. I am delighted to be here, so pleased to have brought my family here, as Malta has a special place in my heart.”

On his part, Tony Drago said that he is grateful to the Peace Band Club for this initiative and said that his choice of bringing John Higgins to Malta was inspired by the fact that he wanted to bring in what he believes is the best snooker player of all time.

“First of all, I would like to thank the Peace Band Club for having us here,” the Maltese Tornado said.

“This is a really great idea. When Joseph Galea spoke to me about this initiative of celebrating 100 years of snooker in Naxxar, there was only one name that came to my mind – John Higgins.

“This club has done so much for snooker in Malta, and although there are so many great snooker players in the world, I didn’t want just to bring a great player, but someone who represents greatness, and that is John Higgins.

“We have always enjoyed a great relationship, and I am delighted to have him here for this memorable event.”

Marlon Brincat, the president of the Peace Band Club, told a news conference how the idea of this exhibition came about.

“Last year, Joe Galea informed me that in 2026 there was an important anniversary coming up, 100 years of snooker at our band club and he suggested that we could try and bring a top professional player to Malta,” Brincat said.

“My reply was that we should try our best, and it was there that I approached the Minister for Sport Clifton Grima, as his support to organise such an event was crucial. Dr Grima was very helpful in making this event happen.

“It was here that Tony Drago was approached, and his contribution was very important to make this event happen. He immediately started speaking to a lot of people, and he managed to attract to this event one of the greats in the sport, John Higgins.

“The event was sold out in a matter of minutes, and it’s very important for us that the main beneficiaries have been our members, who are the heart of our club.”

Sports Minister Clifton Grima said the exhibition will be a perfect opportunity to celebrate sport alongside two sporting legends, Tony Drago and John Higgins.

“I would like to show my gratitude to the Peace Band Club for working so hard to make this event happen,” Dr Grima said.

“Seeing so much respect between two great snooker legends is heartwarming, and no doubt this exhibition is a great opportunity to celebrate sport together.”