The bulk of the qualifying games at the 14th Malta Open championships have been played and the current leaders are Richared Beck from England, and Swede’s Helen Johnsson.

Malta is well represented in the tournament, with Sue Abela currently in third place in the ladies competition and Lorraine Casha holding ninth place. Ray Falzon Reale is the local best hope in the men’s division currently in 10th place, while Mark Spiteri, Dennis Mercieca, Matthew Caruana and Brian Farrugia all featuring in the top twenty.

Sue Abela was strongest in her first six game session, playing a great 1,259 including high games of 201, 223, 235 and 234. She played a 1,173 in her second session, stringing together a 214, 221, 210 trio for a 2,432 tally, just missing second place by 18 pins, with a 44 pin disadvantage below leader Johnsson. Casha was originally in third place after her 12 round one games, but has dropped to ninth as other qualifying squads have produced some better performances. Her 2,269 total (189 ave) is still a guarantee of a passage to round two.

Ray Falzon has only lost three places as the other rounds were played, dropping from seventh to 10th, while Mark Spiteri goes from eighth to 12th. Other good positions for locals in the men’s event are 14th and 15th for Dennis Mercieca and Matthew Caruana respectively. Brian Farrugia is also holding his own in 19th place.

Competitive play continues through the qualifying rounds until the thrilling finals tomorrow afternoon.