A total of 96 players from 36 countries are taking part in the qualifying round of the ITF Under18 tournament being organised by the International Tennis Federation in collaboration with the Malta Tennis Federation.

This tournament, being held at the Marsa Sports Club till next Sunday, is an Under18 World Ranking Tournament for both boys and girls.

Games will be held over two rounds. Between yesterday and today, the qualifying round is being held to determine 12 out of the 96 players to become eligible to participate in the main draw. Local players Matthew Booker, Chris Abdelghani, Malcolm Ferrante, Julian Sammut, Stefan Malaguti, Brenda Galea and Klara Sitarova will be taking part in this round.

These players are some of the local younger talent and although they today compete in the Under14 and Under16 leagues, participation within this tournament should allow these players to experience competing in tournaments of such high calibre.

As from tomorrow, the main round will commence. This round will involve local players Matthew Asciak, Omar Sudzuka, Clayton Zammit, Elaine Genovese, Kimberly Cassar and Alexia Valenzia. Matthew Asciak and Kimberley Cassar have earned their place in the main draw thanks to their ITF junior world ranking of 564 and 718 respectively.

The other local players were given a wild card. Justin Eleveld (ranked 260) of the Netherlands and Veronika Domagala (ranked 218) from Poland are the top seeds of this tournament.

Games will be held every day from 9am till 7pm as from Saturday 22nd March. The general public is invited to attend and to give its support to our local players. Entrance is free and ample parking is available.