The Malta Open Gatorade Tennis championships, sanctioned by the Malta Tennis Federation and held at the Marsa Sports Club, came to an end on Sunday afternoon with the finals of the Men’s and Women’s singles.

In the first match, which was highly anticipated, Elaine Genovese came up against Malta champion Kim Cassar. The two players have been participating in many WTA Futures tournaments during the summer: so both players were at the top of their game. In fact both players have won their first WTA Point this year and this is proof of their vast improvement.

Genovese started strongly racing into a 4-1 lead producing some excellent shots from her forehand side. At 4-1 down Cassar started to rally back and won the next two games to trail 4-3 with two game points to make it 4-4, but Genovese held her nerve at such a crucial stage and held on to win the set 6-4.

The second set was somewhat different. Cassar went on to lead 4-2 and, when everyone thought that a third set would be needed to settle this entertaining encounter, Genovese came up with some excellent passing shots and volleys to win the second set and match 7-5.

It was very evident that Genovese was looking forward to this final. Her physical preparation and confidence on court was noticed by everyone. She was a very different player from when she played the ITF Junior tournament and the Fed Cup last April.

On their way to the final Genovese defeated Susi Mifsud and the Brenda Galea in the semi- final while Cassar beat Klara Sitarova and Steffie Sullivan in the semi-final.

In the Men’s Singles final Malta champion Matthew Asciak defeated Denzil Agius 6-1, 6-0 in a one sided final.

Asciak won the Malta Championships at the age of 15 and this was the fifth consecutive title for Matthew. Denzil, who is a much improved player, was no match for Matthew who is now ranked 965 on the ATP List.

Matthew is today very much the complete player who gives nothing away. He can mix his game either by playing solid tennis from the baseline or by rushing to the net and using his physical condition to dominate.

In the semi-finals Matthew defeated Bradley Callus and Denzil beat Mark Gatt in a very close three-setter match: 5-7 6-4 7-5.

The Men’s Doubles final was played last Saturday and was won by Matthew Asciak/ Bradley Callus who beat Agius/Gatt.6-4 6-4 in an entertaining match.

The Consolation event was won by Bernard Cassar Torreggiani who defeated Raphael Sammut 6-2 6-2

The presentation of trophies was held by Godwin Borg, chairman of the Tennis Section, in the presence of Dr David Farrugia Sacco, President of the Malta Tennis Federation. The tournament was sponsored by Gatorade.