Malta placed third out of seven participating teams in the 2006 edition of the Grand Prix of Sicily in Palermo. The tournament was won by the strong contingent from the Sicilian Region followed in second place by the national team of Romania.

Malta came ahead of the national teams of Italy, Poland, the regional team of Calabria as well as the national team of Hungary, in that order. It was a combined tournament made up of seniors, juniors, cadets and women.

The experienced Abraham Vassallo was the toast of the Maltese contingent after winning the 96kg category, beating all his three opponents. First he disposed of Maciej Zacowicz of Poland and then the Romanian Cristian David to go on to beat the Italian from Sicily Vito Zanga in the final. Vassallo has been taking part in this tournament since 1990 and had never placed first before although many times finishing amongst the first three in this weight category.

Vassallo, Malta’s Wrestler of the Year 2005, is also the Youth Director of the Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation. In the last years he participated in numerous international competitions including the World Championships in Budapest.

The Maltese team in Palermo was made up of one senior, one junior and six cadets. Adam Vella (58kg) won gold, Aidan Buhagiar (85kg) took silver while Mathew Bonnici (50kg) and Andrea Saliba (69kg) each got a bronze medal.

If funds are available, the Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation will be hosting the Sicilian Regional team in the coming Winter for a tournament mainly for youths.