Fiteni, Camilleri in fine comeback victories
Over 35 players, including 12 foreigners, took part in the 2007 International Malta Squash Open played recently at the Marsa Sports Club. The format had the top seeds contesting the Open whereas those not making the cut competed in the 'A' and 'B'...
Over 35 players, including 12 foreigners, took part in the 2007 International Malta Squash Open played recently at the Marsa Sports Club. The format had the top seeds contesting the Open whereas those not making the cut competed in the 'A' and 'B' events.
A separate event for juniors was also held. Cash prizes were awarded to the top four players in the main draw.
Michael Fiteni, who last played in Malta in the 2003 GSSE, did not drop a single game on his way to the Malta Open title.
Fiteni, possibly the highest-ranked player ever to take part, was simply in a league of his own. His style on court was impressive and enthralling to watch. In the final, he beat Poland's no.1 Lukasz Nitka 3-0.
Stephen Schranz was third while Derek Collins was fourth in the tournament.
In the 'A' event final, Nigel Dunkerley and Peter Wirth fought out a very close match with the former winning 3-2.
Dunkerley's improvement from coming third in the 'B' event two years ago to winning this year's 'A' event, means that he is now set to face tougher opposition in the coming months to establish himself in the national team.
Third place in the men's 'A' event went to Robert Sultana. He beat Stuart Marsh 3-2.
Kelvin Edmunds obtained a 3-0 win over Trevor Caruana in the final of the 'B' event. Clive Lucas came third.
The women's champion is Theresa Camilleri who only recently decided to resume competitive squash after an absence of four years.
Camilleri kept a clean sheet on her way to the final where she met Johanna Rizzo. The latter produced a valid challenge and won the opening point but eventually lost the match 3-1.
Dominika Witkowska, Poland's no.1 player, finished third ahead of Sue Aquilina.
In the juniors' event, Colette Sultana beat Mark Schranz 3-0. Stephanie Schranz, Mark's sister, was third and fourth place went to Lara Camilleri who fared remarkably well considering that she only started playing squash a few months ago.
Malta Squash and Marsa Sports Club were the main sponsors of the Malta International Open.