An all time record breaking entry of over 50 participants competed in the end of season tournament organised by Malta Squash.
This was the final of a series of seven tournaments that were run throughout the year in all top clubs over the island. Over 90 games where played using all five glass back courts simultaneously at the Marsa Sports and Country Club.
In all, four category events were held including an ‘A’ Event open to top players, a ‘B’ Event Open to intermediate and improving players and two Junior events for the beginners and more advanced youngsters.
The ‘A’ event was won by an on form Mark Lupi who beat Ivan Balzan in the final. Both players had to overcome top seeds who included Karl Grech Orr, Steve Rizzo Martin Mallia, Theresa Camilleri and up and coming Nigel Dunkerley to get to the final.
Ivan was on the lucky side coming back from 8-0 down against a much improved Martin Mallia to win a slot in the final. Ivan’s match fitness surely proved to be the deciding factor.
The ‘B’ event was very evenly contested and the eventual winner, Karl Camilleri, just pipped Junior Mark Seychell in the final. This will be Karl’s last match in the ‘B’ event as his performance and improvement earned him a well deserved promotion to the ‘A’ event. It was encouraging to note that the final and plate final of the ‘B’ event had two juniors, Mark Seychell and Richard Pugliesevich respectively, battling it out, which augurs well for the future of the game in Malta.
The junior section was a huge success with 18 contestants taking part. Fourteen juniors took part in the main event and four in the Kids Junior fun.
The event was won by an ever improving Ryan Rizzo who seems to be following well in his parent’s footsteps to becoming a top player in Malta.
His feat was not easy and the final against Serge Davaidenko watched by over 30 spectators, saw some skilful shots from both players.
The next season opens in November and Malta Squash expects to hold eight tournaments which will include the 6PM Malta International Open.