The Federation Cup’s Euro/Africa Zone Group 3 will be staged in Malta, at the Marsa Sports Club, this week, starting today and coming to an end on Sunday.
Eleven nations, including Malta, are taking part in the event, divided into two Groups, one of six nations and another of five.
Malta Tennis Federation president Dr David Farrugia Sacco said yesterday the MTF was pleased to be staging such a prestigious event for the second time – the first one had been organized six years ago. “We have been involved in a lot of preparation, but with the help of the ITF, I am sure we will be successful with the organisation of the event,” he said.
Farrugia Sacco added that the tournament involves a large number of personnel who will be officiating the matches as well as eight others coming over from various European countries to assist. He said that around 40 local line judges will also be used for the smooth running of the event.
The tournament referee is Massimo Morelli who underlined the importance of the event stating that it is not just a tournament being held in Malta. “This tournament forms part of the Federation Cup – the World Cup of tennis for women – which is staged around the whole world throughout this week.
“In Malta’s event, Greece are the Number 1 seeds while Norway will be No. 2 seeds. The other nations taking part are Algeria, Armenia, Egypt, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Moldova and, of course, Malta.
Mr Mohad Fahmi, a representative of the International Tennis Federation, is also in Malta to supervise the event. He told the press that they were happy to be organising another event in Malta. He then revealed that the next step would be to organise a top professional event in Malta which would also include prize-money. Asked what happens if rain interrupts play, he said that the tournament can be extended by not more than 48 hours.
The first in each group will be promoted to Group 2 next year.
The Fed Cup Euro/Africa Zone Group 3 event is sponsored by Farsons through their brand San Michel, and by Gasan Mamo. They were represented at yesterday’s news conference by Ray Grech and Julian Mamo, respectively.
The Malta team
Farrugia Sacco announced the Malta team will consist of Kim Cassar, Elaine Genovese, Steffi Sullivan and Lisa Camenzuli. The coach is Ian Smith from Scotland, who will also lead the Malta players at the Cyprus Games for European Small States.
The MTF president added that they were confident the local team will do well and obtain some very good results. “There is a good mix of youth and experience in our team and despite that this is an event which is of a higher level than that of the Games for European Small States, however, it will be an ideal preparation for the local girls taking part in the Cyprus Games,” he added.
Here, Dr Farrugia Sacco also announced that the two men at the Cyprus Games will be Matthew Asciak and Daniel Ceross.