The Maltese national pool teams left Malta yesterday on their way to Blackpool, England, where they will be taking part in the World Pool Championships between tomorrow and 13 July. The Malta Pool Association is sending two teams to compete in the Men’s Open Championships and in the Under 18 Juniors championships.

The Men’s team is made up of Stephen Mangion, Mario Vassallo, Kevin Mercieca Miguel Falzon, Iro Vella, Jesmond Schembri, Clayton Attard, Kevin Schembri, Ivan Rizzo and Clint Azzopardi while Joseph Casha, Ryan Barbara, Malcolm Azzopardi, Robert Fenech, Mattias Mallia and Noel Billoca will compose the juniors side. Carmel Cilia will be managing the Men’s national team while Manuel Lauro will be administering the junior side. Vincent Degiorgio will be heading the whole Maltese contingent.

Last year Malta registered impressive results by reaching the final of the Men’s championships and the semi-finals of the junior’s category.

Thirteen countries will be taking part in these world championships. Title holders Ireland, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Wales, France, Kenya, South Africa, Australia, India, West Indies together with Malta will open the ceremony on Monday.

Vincent Degiorgio, treasurer of the European and World Federations, said that he is optimistic that the Maltese teams will once again achieve good results and keep up the good name of our country in the international scene.