At the Australian Junior Open, part of the ITTF World Junior Circuit currently been staged in Geelong, Australia, one young man has seized the opportunity to compete in his first ITTF World Junior Circuit tournament. But he’s not a local boy, he’s from Malta, a long, long way from the state of Victoria!

“Korea, Japan, Sweden and Croatia are all well known table tennis countries,” said Glenn Tepper, ITTF Development Manager. “However, also competing here in Australia, 30 hours flight from his home town of Swieqi, is 13-year-old Daniel Bajada, the sole entrant from Malta.”

It is a daunting task for Daniel Bajada but he is making major strides in the sport under the guidance of Joe Borg Cardona, the backbone of table tennis on the island.

“Daniel is not yet at the stage where he can challenge the top players here, it is his first World Junior Circuit event,” explained Glenn Tepper. “However, he is National Under 13 and Under 18 champion in Malta and trains five times a week at the National Academy with head coach Mario Genovese.”

The journey to Australia was long for the teenager but there is an underlying reason for the visit. “The trip to Australia is a small home coming for Daniel’s parents,” explained Glenn Tepper.

“I played and lived in Melbourne from 1977 to 1980,” said father Leslie. “When I saw on the Internet that Australia was hosting a World Junior Circuit event, it was enough of an incentive to make the journey!”