On Monday 26 February the Top Four Tennis Tournament came to a climatic conclusion after the top four tennis ladies had taken part in an exciting tournament organized by the Malta Tennis Federation and sponsored by Galdes and Mamo Insurance.

Running the proceedings was National Coach Rob Tarpey who, ever-present, had the opportunity to see our top ladies play head to head and to verify the result of their intensive training schedules and of their participation in important tournaments.

After playing the “round-robin” section the players lined up to play each other in the semi finals knock-out stage. The results of the round-robin meant that Kimberly Cassar was to play the only unbeaten player from the earlier stages Elena Jetcheva, while Elaine Genovese was to play Stephy Sullivan.

In a hard hitting match Elena Jetcheva beat Kimberly Cassar 6-3 6-4 and in the other semi the strong hitting baseline player Stephy Sullivan was narrowly beaten by Elaine Genovese 6-4 6-3.

The final took place on Monday 26 , a cold evening at the Marsa Sports Club. It was a good match watched by a good crowd. Elaine Genovese made a fantastic start taking the first set 6-1. Elena Jetcheva settled her earlier nerves and played an excellent second set winning it 6-2.

The third set was played at a fierce pace both contestants playing strong tennis especially by unleashing powerful forehands. In the end Jetcheva’s serve that was so damaging throughout the match let her down in the final game. Elena found herself serving at 4-5 in the final set to stay in the match, she lost her serve and therefore match giving Elaine Genovese the final set 6-4. National Coach Rob Tarpey was ultra satisfied that both players had found their form during the tournament and especially in the taut and exciting final.

Dr David Farrugia Sacco Malta Tennis Federation General Secretary commented that it was a great event whereby all the players benefited from competitive play albeit in a friendly environment- the standard was higher than expected and this augurs well for the coming Federation Cup for Ladies National teams.

Tony Cilia Pisani and David Farrugia Sacco, President and General Secretary of the Malta Tennis Federation, were there to congratulate the players and present the top four ladies with bouquets of flowers in recognition of their excellent play throughout the tournament.