Maltese players' challenge not enough to stop Verhagen

World top seeded player Eric Verhagen lived up to expectations at the International Open and Grand Prix tournaments, organised last month by the Malta Table Football Association at the Savio Sports Complex, Dingli.

The Dutchman claimed both titles, winning the final showdowns after staving off stiff opposition from Maltese players in particular.

In all, 63 players took part, representing seven different national federations.

Local players are expected to show an improvement in the next edition of the international rankings after a positive showing in all four categories.

Play in the International Open reached a high level as Verhagen relied on all his experience to eliminate Charles Aquilina (1-0) and Bartolo (3-2 - golden goal) in the last eight and semi-final stages of the tournament.

Hansel Mallia provided another tough test to the Dutch champion but he emerged winner again by a slim 2-1 margin.

In other International Open categories, Andre Grima beat Timothy Spiteri 2-0 for the U-15 title and in the U-19 competition, Bartolo defeated Patrick Psaila 3-2.

In the veterans, Patrick Pace had a convincing 4-1 win over Mario Spiteri in the final.

Aquilina was again Verhagen's opponent in the quarter-final of the Grand Prix. The Maltese player lost 3-2 as the Dutchman progressed to the final at the expense of Joseph Mifsud (2-0).

Malta's Derek Conti was a surprising finalist in the Grand Prix. However, despite his bold effort, he failed to upset Verhagen who won the decisive match 4-1.

Grima again beat Timothy Spiteri for the U-15 title with a 3-1 score and, in the veterans class, Pace was made to fight all the way, winning narrowly with a second-half goal against Mario Spiteri.

In the U-19 Grand Prix final, Bartolo beat Mauro Camilleri 3-1.

It was Bartolo's third international tournament in a row after the one won in Belgium a few weeks before.

Bartolo is now likely to join the top 10 in the world when the world federation issues its new rankings.