Asciak new champion
Eclipses father's record after beating Ceross in final
Gordon Asciak's proud record as Malta's youngest ever tennis champion, which had stood for 27 years, was shattered yesterday when his son, Matthew, won the Malta Open championship which was played during the festive season at the Marsa Sports Club.
Matthew Asciak, 15, won the coveted title after beating Daniel Ceross in the men's singles final in straight sets, 6-4 6-1.
In front of a sizeable crowd at Marsa, Asciak played a steady baseline game and managed to neutralise Ceross's superior serves. Asciak won the first set and never looked back as he controlled the game, going on to wrap up the final by winning the second set 6-1.
In last Friday's semi-final Ceross overcame the stiff challenge of Matthew Debono. Ceross won in three sets 7-6 4-6 6-3.
Asciak's task to reach the final was equally difficult as he was pitted against top seed Alexander Manojlovic. The new Malta champion eliminated the Serbian 6-4 6-4 after a vintage display.
The men's singles match yesterday was followed by the men's doubles final. This was comfortably won in straight sets by Manojlovic and Ceross. They beat Asciak and Debono 6-3 6-3.