Malta champion Matthew Asciak, 16, is being sponsored by German airline Lufthansa, over the next two years.

Asciak, following in his parents’ footsteps – former Malta champions Gordon and Helen (Degiorgio) – is considered as Malta’s most promising talent in local tennis.

Last March, he won the ITF junior tournament at the Marsa Sports Club. He has just completed his O-Levels and will now be able to turn his attention completely on tennis in the next few months.

Lufthansa, established in Malta for more than 20 years, is one of the leading world airlines and a Star Alliance member. The company is known for its commitment to support sport and youth in the world. It also encourages young people to focus on education as a solid base for the future.

Addressing a news conference yesterday, Lufthansa managing director in Malta Sven Duke said the company was glad to be offering this sponsorship to young Matthew. “The agreement reflects the combination of sports and education, one of Lufthansa’s key social commitments,” he said.

Gordon Asciak, Matthew’s father, said it was now possible for Matthew to take part in much more international tournaments, thanks to the sponsorship. “Normally, Matthew takes part in eight to 12 tournaments yearly. This is simply because of the huge travelling expenses involved. Thanks to this sponsorship, we now hope to see Matthew participating in around 25 tournaments. It’s what a young player like Matthew needs.

This year we will be concentrating on more ITF tournaments and the first one will be in Denmark, which will be similar to that won by Matthew here in Malta last March. In future, before he is 18 years old, it is our hope that Matthew will improve his standard and ranking to be able to take part in junior Wimbledon, the French Junior Open and the Italian Junior Open. We hope there will be other companies who offer sponsorships in this regard,” said Asciak.

National coach Rob Tarpey, who has been in Malta since November said the agreement with Lufthansa was fantastic news for Asciak and Maltese tennis. “It is incredible how many youngsters Malta produces in tennis till the age of 14. We have to nurture that talent and it is thanks to such sponsorships that these youngsters will remain motivated and dedicated to their game,” he said.

Tarpey was a British Lawn Tennis Association coach before his Malta assignment. In 2001, he had also led the British Fed Cup team.

Malta Tennis Federation president Tony Cilia Pisani was also pleased with the agreement between Asciak and Lufthansa. “On behalf of the MTF, I thank them for such a big initiative. We are all aware of Matthew’s big talents and, despite all the limitations, we always try our best in providing financial and technical help,” he said.

Also present for the news conference was Lufthansa German Airlines general manager Eric Mathis.