The 2005 Malta Squash awards were held last weekend at Newmans Place Sliema.

A large number of 'new and old' squash players gathered to show their appreciation to the top squash players of 2005.

Malta Squash Secretary Liz Said, who received a large bouquet of flowers from the Malta Squash juniors for all her hard work during the last year, presented the awards to the players.

Top male player 2005 went to Ivan Balzan. Balzan played in most of the 2005 ranking tournaments and managed to reach the semi-finals of all events he participated in.

Since September, Balzan has a remarkable record that reads, played 3 won 3.

Top female player of the year was awarded to Johanna Rizzo. A constant 'thorn in the side' to most male players throughout the years tournaments, Rizzo fought her way into the top 10 ranked male players of 2005! Her gritty and determined performance in Cyprus and her 'vocal' support for her team colleagues was a highlight of 2005.

The award for the most improved junior 2005 went to Colette Sultana. Colette has made remarkable progress this year, win or loose, her performance is always 100% and her attitude to training, no matter how easy or difficult is always refreshing.

Should Colette continue with her positive performance she is sure to follow one day in the footsteps of her aunt Johanna Rizzo as one of Malta's leading female players.

Malta Squash Secretary Liz Said thanked everyone from Newmans Place who kindly donated the awards and wished everyone involved with squash in Malta a healthy and successful 2006.