Gauci misses out after losing two finals

The 2006 Malta International Open and Gran Prix, organised by the MTFSA under the auspices of the International Federation FISTF, were played last weekend at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

The standard of play was very high with the participation of players from Italy, Greece, England, Wales, Belgium and Malta.

Massimo Cremona won the International Open on Saturday and Italian Saverio Bari the Gran Prix on Sunday. Both winners claimed the titles at the expense of the luckless Mark Gauci. He qualified for both finals but finished the weekend empty-handed.

In the Open final, Gauci scored first but committed a costly error after the break to allow Cremona to equalise. Two minutes from time, Gauci scored again but from the kick-off Cremona drew the scores level.

Cremona, who required a 'golden goal' in the semi-final to eliminate Hansel Mallia 1-0, scored the winner after four minutes of extra-time to retain the International Open for the second consecutive year.

Gauci ousted Italian Francesco Mattiangeli 2-0 in the semi-final and Samuel Bartolo 3-0 in the last eight.

In the other Open finals, Patrick Pace beat Mario Spiteri 1-0 (veterans), Timothy Spiteri beat Thomas Camilleri 4-0 (U-15) and Matthew Pace had the better of Darren Bezzina 2-0 (U-13).

On Sunday, Bari beat Gauci 1-0 to claim the Grand Prix honour.

The team competition saw the participation of Valletta SC, Hamrun TFC, Catania, Cardiff and Hennuyer.

It was Hennuyer, of Belgium, who won the title. In the final they beat Valletta SC 2-1.