Borg had won the title last year in Poland when he beat Iceland’s Kristjan Helgason in the final 7-2. Borg had earlier reached the final of the same tournament in 1998 in Finland and in 2004 in Austria.

Another Maltese player, Simon Zammit, is also taking part in this year’s championship.

One hundred and sixteen players are taking part in the event in three categories. Sixty players are taking part in the Men’s event, 36 in the seniors category and 20 in the women’s championship.

The men’s category has been divided into eight groups – four groups of eight and another four of seven players. The top four in each group will qualify for the round of 32 which sees the start of the competition on a knock out basis.

Borg is obviously seeded No 1 and will play in Group A along with Jeff Cundy of England, Babbken Melkonian of Romania, Juha Erkinmikko (Finland), Gerrit Bij de Leil (Holland), Ryabinin Alexander (Russia), Janis Bindze (Latvia) and Anthiny Brabin (Cyprus).

Zammit will be in Group E together with Brendan O’Donoghue of the Republic of Ireland, Patrick Einsle of Germany, Cristi Andonicioaie of Romania, Kostyantyn Kulik of the Ukraine, Shay Arama of Israel and Rafal Jewtuch of Poland.

In the qualifying round, matches will be played over a best of seven frames. From the round of 32 to the quarter-finals, it will be over a best of nine frames, the semi-finals will be over a best of 11 frames and the final, to be played on 15 June, over a best of 13 frames.

Apart from taking part in the European Championship, Simon Zammit is also playing in the Romania Open tournament in which 80 players will be participating. This event is being held on 3 and 4 June.