The 37th edition of the Malta National Championships, sponsored once again by EuroSport, is currently in progress. This event is taking place at the Cottonera Sports Complex as well as at St. Martin’s College, Swatar. It will come to its end with the finals on 1 May.
The “Nationals”, as they are more colloquially known, are the premier event in Badminton Malta’s seasonal calendar. By their very nature, they bring together all the top local talents in a single competition characterised by high-level play that captures the attention of all local enthusiasts and the media.
Since the 27th edition held in 1998, Badminton Malta has sub-titled this national competition as the “Paddy Stubbs Memorial Tournament”, in memory of this well-known philanthropist and sports benefactor.
The full programme comprises five different categories, foremost among which are the Men’s and Ladies’ Singles.
In view of the number of participants, the Men’s Singles competition started with a preliminary round. Regular players like Michael Bugeja, Albert Bezzina, Samuel Cali, Brian Zammit, Ivan Salomone and George Camilleri together with veterans Patrick Cassar, Rodney Abela, Anthony Xuereb and Martin Farrugia are expected to strive their utmost to secure a share of the limelight in this initial qualifying round.
The top three players will then proceed to the main round to face tougher opposition provided by the more experienced players.
Defending champion Stefan Salomone is determined to hang on to his crown for yet another season. However, he will first have to come to terms with the title aspirations of his own brother, second seed Robert Salomone, last season’s finalist.
Stiff competition is similarly expected from the likes of Kenneth Vella, David Cole and Aldo Polidano.
Joanne Cassar is the title-holder in the Ladies’ Singles category. She is equally determined not to relinquish her title lightly but to give her opponents a good run for their money.
On their part players like Catherine Dimech, Daniela Galea, Maria Borg and Fiorella Farrugia are expected to liven up the proceedings in their attempt to foil the title-holder’s plans.
The National Championships will also include the Doubles’ categories, featuring the Men’s and Ladies’ Doubles as well as the Mixed Doubles. A keen tussle is similarly expected in these categories as the respective title-holders strive to preserve their crown for yet another edition in the face of the existing and emerging opposition.
Badminton Malta has expressed its appreciation and gratitude to EuroSport for the valuable cooperation and support provided in the staging of this event. While wishing a successful tournament to all the participants, Badminton Malta invites the general public to attend and enjoy Maltese Badminton at its best.