ITF tournament underway at Marsa

The ITF U-18 world ranking tournament, sponsored by Galbani, got underway yesterday at the Marsa Sports Club. The competition is run by the Malta Tennis Federation in conjunction with the Marsa Sports Club and commercial partners Gasan Mamo and San Michel.

Ten places in the Main Draw, starting tomorrow, are at stake for the 32 boys and 21 girls in the qualifying stage.

Yesterday, boys qualifying event top seed Ricardo Bellotti, of Austria, had a tough job to overcome promising Briton Michael Ward. Romania's Diana Marcu was likewise involved in an interesting qualifier with Ann-Sophie Mestach, from Belgium, which she won 6-3, 6-4.

Yesterday, the Marsa Sports Club was a hive of activity as the tennis courts were busy with the young players eager to garner useful ranking points. Most of the visitors relished the fine weather although they were slightly hampered by the blowing wind.

In fact, the Australian coach of a UK group of players commented that his wards were not accustomed to such conditions as they had played indoors these last months.

In all, 20 matches were played in the first round of the qualifying stage.

Entries in the Main Draw will be established after the second and final rounds of the preliminary stage which continues today.

The tournament comes to a close next Sunday. Entrance is free.