Over 35 players, including 12 foreigners took part in the 2007 International Malta Squash Open. The format for this year’s event saw the top seeds take place in the Open, whilst those not making the cut taking place in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ events. A separate event for juniors was also held.
Cash prizes ranging from 400 euros to 50 euros were awarded to the top four placed in the main draw.
Michael Fiteni, who last played in Malta in the 2003 GSSE, did not drop a single game on his way to become the 2007 men’s Malta Open squash champion. Michael, possibly the highest ranked player ever to take part, was simply in a league of his own. His style and domination on the court were highly impressive and enthralling to watch.
In the final, he beat the Polish number one Lukasz Nitka 3-0 with relative ease. Stephen Schranz placed third, once again showing that he is the top Maltese player, whilst Derek Collins came in fourth.
In the final of the ‘A’ event Nigel Dunkerley and Peter Wirth had a very close match with the former wining 3-2. Dunkerley’s improvement from coming third in the B event two years ago and winning this year’s ‘A’ event means that he is now set to face tougher opposition in the months to come in order to establish himself in the national team.
Third place in the men’s ‘A’ event was won by Robert Sultana who beat Stuart Marsh 3-2 in a thrilling match. Robert’s improvement over the last 12 months has been remarkable, and he started the match against Stuart as clear underdog. Kelvin Edmunds beat Trevor Caruana 3-0 in the final of the ‘B’ event whilst Clive Lucas came third.
The 2007 women’s Malta squash champion is Theresa Camilleri who only recently decided to start playing competitive squash again after an absence of four years. She did not drop one single game on her way to the final against Johanna Rizzo who managed to win the first game of the match.
Johanna put up a tremendous fight but lost the match 3-1 to the more experienced Theresa. It was a very exciting match to watch and had all the spectators on the edge of their seats till the very end. The Polish number one Dominika Witkowska came third while fourth place went to Sue Aquilina.
In the juniors’ event Colette Sultana beat Mark Schranz 3-0. Colette continues to dominate the junior section whilst Mark’s sister Stephanie came third. Fourth place went to Lara Camilleri who did remarkably well considering the fact that she only started playing squash a few months ago.
The organisers thanked their main sponsors, Malta Squash and Marsa Sports Club, for putting up the prize money as well as donating trophies, balls and free squash courts.