The Malta Judo Federation organised the annual Malta Judo open as well as the Fra Andrew Bertie Memorial tournament for the Cadet and Youth section.

This year the federation was marking the 24th edition of the Malta Open. Also, it was decided to name the cadet and youth tournament in memory of the late Fra Andrew Bertie, Grand Master of the order of St John as well as patron of the Malta Judo Federation, who passed away a few weeks ago.

The level and standard shown by Maltese and foreign Judokas during these two tournaments was of a very high level. Participation was also very good with eight countries being represented, these hailing from Britain – Willesden Judo Club, the best performing club in Great Britain for two consecutive years at the British Junior and Senior Trials, and Ealing Judo Club; two Italian clubs – Centro Universitario Siena and Jigoro Kano Milan, the San Marino national team, Finland with the Joen Yawara Judo Club, France with J.C. Motomorency, Ukraine, Russia, and finally, the three Maltese Clubs, the Malta Judo Academy, the Hibernians Budokwai Judo Club and Tigne Judo Club.

The majority of the athletes representing the Willesden Judo Club have the chance of representing Great Britain at the World Junior Championships next year.

The best Maltese athlete of the day was definitely Kriss Law who won against the Italian Dario Nardini from the Centro Universitario Siena and went down against Ashley McKenzie the Briton earmarked to represent England in the 2012 Olympics. The latter was, without doubt, the best Judoka of both tournaments.

After winning his category in the junior under 60 kg, he went on to win the Juniors under 66kg. He also competed in the senior competitions where he won both the under 60 and the under 66kg categories. He contested 15 games, winning 11 with maximum points (Ippon) and the other four, including one against Kris Law, through a superiority of points.

On the other hand the newly named Fra Andrew Bertie Memorial Tournament served its purpose, that is, to give the opportunity to young judokas to participate and gain much needed experience in an international tournament.