The 2007 Malta International Squash Open sees – for the first time – prize money in both the men’s and ladies events.

The main events, the Men’s and Ladies Open, both commenced yesterday with matches scheduled every day from 6pm.

The tournament kicked off with 11 year old Colette Sultana, Malta’s number 1 under 13 junior, playing against the five times Polish national champion and current Polish number 1 Dominika Witkowska .

Asked about this possibly daunting prospect Sultana calmly replied, “I have no worries about playing in the Ladies Open! Playing against stronger and more experienced players can only help improve my game. All I can do is my best and I will be giving 100% in every match”.

Besides Sultana and Witkowska, the ladies event includes multiple Malta open winner Theresa Camilleri, Johanna Rizzo (long term Malta number 1) and the complete ladies national squad. Natalia Luczynska, ranked number 5 in Poland, completes the ladies draw.

The Men’s Open includes Michael Fiteni (highest world ranking 64), Lukasz Nitka (the Polish men’s number 1) and Derek Collins (a leading player from the North East of England).

They will be joined by two of Malta’s most consistent international performers over the last few years Steve Schranz, the current Malta Open champion, and Bernard Bugeja. Three local players who fought their way through a tough qualifying competition will make up the men’s open draw.

The men’s ‘A’ and ‘B’ events start on Thursday and Friday evening respectively and include a group of players from the UK.

All semi-finals and finals will be played on Saturday from 11.30am onwards.

This is the first time that the Malta Open will be played in such a professional format. This year’s event would not be possible without the financial assistance of the Marsa Sports Club (Squash Section) and Malta Squash. Several local companies have also assisted with the funding of the Open. The Association has thanked all those who have offered their support, even the members of the Marsa Squash section who have worked non-stop over the last few weeks to bring the courts up to a high international standard.

All matches will be held at the Marsa Sports Club and entry is free on all days.