Sultana, 11, wins women's tournament

The first squash tournament of the 2006/07 season was held recently at the Marsa Sports Club with 30 players taking part in three separate categories.

The men's 'A'event was won by Stephen Rizzo who defeated Ivan Balzan in an exciting final.

The men's 'B' event featured several players taking part in their first ever squash tournament. The final was between Carl Camilleri and Mark Wright.

Both players had to fight their way through the qualifying rounds and after four tough matches, Camilleri managed to overpower Wright and take his first squash title. Marsa junior Mark Seychell finished an impressive fourth and continues to improve from event to event.

The ladies' event produced the biggest surprise of the day. Colette Sultana, only 11 years old and figuring in her first senior tournament, astounded one and all with her excellent performance. She defeated both her opponents in the final round to take what could be the first of many titles.

Malta Squash Academy coach Paul Lake, who is responsible for the junior squash development programme at the Marsa Sports Club, was full of praise for Sultana.

"Colette is training very hard and following a detailed programme," Lake said.

"Her main goal is the Austrian Junior Open in March, which is an official European ranking tournament. If she continues to improve at this rate, she stands a very good chance of finishing in the top eight."

Marsa squash section president Charles Cuschieri expressed his satisfaction at seeing such a large number of newcomers taking part.