Elaine Genovese and Matthew Asciak reconfirmed themselves as Malta’s top players when they defended their singles titles at the Gatorade Malta Open Championships. The finals were held on Sunday at the Marsa Sports Club in front of a sizeable crowd.

In the final of the women’s singles event, Elaine beat Rosanne Dimech 6-1 6-4 in an exciting match.

Elaine started the match strongly and took a commanding lead in the first set, to close it at 6-1. In the second set, Rosanne rallied back to level it the score to 4 all, only to then be broken by Elaine in the ninth game. Elaine then held her serve to close the match at 6-4 and win the title.

Earlier in the semi-finals, Elaine eliminated Katrina Sammut 60 61 whilst Rosanne eliminated Brenda Galea 6-2 6-1.

In the men’s singles event, Malta Champion, Matthew Asciak was in a class of his own when he defeated upcoming 16 year old Raphael Sammut in the final 6-0 6-0.

Matthew was in command throughout the match with his strong consistent baseline play, interspersed with deft and sublime touches and drop shots.

For Raphael, this was his first men’s singles open final and an experience to build upon for the future. In the semi-finals, Matthew eliminated Bradley Callus 6-1 6-1 while Raphael ousted Denzil Agius 3-6 6-1 6-1.

The men’s doubles event was won by Matthew Asciak and Bradley Callus who defeated Raphael Sammut and the evergreen Marco Cappello, 6-0 6-2 in the final.

The Gatorade Malta Open Championships 2012 were organised by the Marsa Sports Club, sponsored by Gatorade and held auspices of the Malta Tennis Federation.