The Malta ITF u/18 international world ranking tournament, sponsored by Galbani, San Michel and Gasan Mamo, and got underway yesterday at the Marsa Sports Club.

Thirty two very talented boys and 21 girls between the ages of 13 and 18 battled away in the first round of the qualifying draw to fill in the six and four places respectively in the Main Draw of the tournament which starts today.

Top seed of the Boys'qualifying event, the shrewd Ricardo Bellotti from Austria, had a tough tussle to overcome – the promising Michael Ward from the UK.

The top girl, Diana Marcu from Romania, was likewise involved in an interesting match with Ann-Sophie Mestach from Belgium which she eventually won 6-3,6-4.

In all 20 matches were played in this the first round of the qualifying stage. Today the second and final rounds of this preliminary stage will be played. All the contestants in the Main Draw will be established after the qualifiers are known.

Spectators are most welcome to watch the tournament which will come to an end today week. Entrance is free.