The 34th edition of the Malta National Championships, sponsored by Eurosport, gets underway today. It will take place at St. Martin’s College, coming to an end on Sunday with the finals.

The “Nationals”, as they are more familiarly known, are the major event in the local Badminton Association’s seasonal calendar. By their very nature, they bring together all the top local talents in a single competition characterised by high-level play that captures the attention of all local enthusiasts and the media.

Since the 27th edition held in 1998, the Badminton Association has sub-titled this national competition as the “Paddy Stubbs Memorial Tournament”, in memory of this well-known philanthropist and sports benefactor.

The full programme comprises five different categories, foremost among which are the Men’s and Ladies’ Singles.

In view of the number of participants, the Men’s Singles competition will have a preliminary Plate Event. Regular players like Adrian Chetcuti, Ivan Salomone, Chris Spiteri, Edmond De Giovanni and Albert Bezzina together with veterans Alfred Polidano and Patrick Cassar will certainly want their share of the limelight in this initial Qualifying Round while emerging talents Samuel Cali, Andre Grech, and Sean Mifsud are also expected to have their say in the proceedings.

The winner of this platonic title will then proceed to the main round to face the more experienced players.

Title-holder Aldo Polidano seems determined to hang on to his first Singles crown for yet another season. However, he will have to come to terms with the title aspirations of second seed Stefan Salomone, last season’s finalist. Stiff competition is also expected from the likes of Kenneth Vella, Robert Salomone and Brian Zammit as well as from veterans Tony Xuereb and Martin Farrugia.

Jacqueline De Giovanni is the defending champion in the Ladies’ Singles category. She is equally determined not to relinquish her title lightly but to give her opponents a good run for their money.

In this respect, she is expected to face tough opposition from second seed Jo’Anne Cassar, last season’s finalist. On their part players like Catherine Dimech, Joanne Vella, Rachel Attard and Michelle Lester as well as emerging talents Maria Borg and Fiorella Farrugia are expected to liven up the proceedings in their attempt to foil the top seed’s plans.

The National Championships will also include the Doubles’ categories, featuring the Men’s and Ladies’ Doubles as well as the Mixed Doubles. A keen tussle is similarly expected in these categories as the respective title-holders strive to preserve their crown for yet another edition.

The Badminton Association expressed its appreciation and gratitude to Eurosport and St. Martin’s College for their valuable cooperation and support. The Badminton Association is inviting the general public to attend and enjoy Maltese Badminton at its best.