Agius, Mangion on top in reduced race

The strong north-east currents prevailing last Saturday in the Gozo channel led to the cancellation of this year's Gozo-Malta Open Sea Swimming Challenge, organised annually by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club.

Instead the organisers re-routed the race between Gozo and Comino on a distance of approximately two kilometres, starting and finishing at Hondoq ir-Rummien.

As expected, Neil Agius and Davina Mangion carried the honours. Agius, followed closely up to half-way through the race by Ricky Garzia, finished in 27 minutes 36 seconds. Garzia could not keep up the challenge and finished second in 28 minutes 9 seconds.

Keith Bartolo was third in 35 minutes 59 seconds.

Mangion was unchallenged in the women's race.

Her winning time was 32 minutes 44 seconds, ahead of Isabelle Zarb who finished in 40 minutes 9 seconds. Sue Farrugia was third in 43 minutes 51 seconds.

Special needs swimmer Justin Spiteri, sponsored by his employers Brandstatter Playmobil (Malta), covered the distance in 56 minutes 26 seconds.

Michael Aquilina, Director of the Institute of PE and Sport at the University of Malta, presented the trophies to the winners.

Bertie Muscat, vice-chairman of the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, was the event's chief judge.

Birkirkara St Joseph SC were assisted by the Armed Forces of Malta, the Administrative Law Enforcement Unit, the Department of Civil Protection, the Maritime Authority and the Barcelo Riviera Resort and Spa.