Zarb maintains momentum

The rough sea prevailing at St Paul's Bay on the day of the third leg from the Birkirkara SJ Open Sea Series, restricted the organisers to relocate the two-kilometre race to the relatively calm waters of Qawra.

Dermot Galea recovered from his successful Ironman Triathlon in Switzerland earlier this month and halted Keith Galea's 100 per cent record in the series by winning in 30 minutes 30 seconds.

Isabelle Zarb sustained her momentum, winning her third race in a row.

Five swimmers, Dermot Galea, Keith Galea, Luke Bonnici, Keith Bartolo and Cliff Sultana, went immediately in front. Midway through the race, the Galeas opened a sizeable gap, with Dermot putting series leader Keith under pressure.

In the final two buoys it was evident that Keith, notwithstanding the reaction to his brother's attack, could not keep up the pace and had to settle for second place in 31 minutes 9 seconds.

Bonnici also managed to shrug off the challenge of distance swimmer Keith Bartolo, to finish third in 32 minutes 8 seconds.

Zarb continued to dominate the women's series, winning her third consecutive race in 35 minutes 33 seconds.

Michelle Wood confirmed that her second placing in the previous race was no flash in the pan. At Qawra, she showed good form, once more finishing runner-up in 36 minutes 37 seconds. Suzanne Farrugia placed third in 37 minutes 16 seconds.

The next race will be held on Wednesday, July 25 at St Thomas Bay, Marsascala, starting at 6 p.m.