Lupi confirms top status

Over 25 players of various levels took part in a one-day competition, organised by Malta Squash at the Living Well Health Club last weekend.

Participants were split in two categories, one for national team and experienced players and the other for intermediate and beginners.

The new PAR11 (point a rally) scoring was implemented.

Some players welcomed the new format as games finish much quicker but others feel that there is too much pressure on winning the point, so rallies are sometimes shorter than they used to be.

In the 'A' category, there were some close matches.

After a surprise victory over Ivan Balzan, Arthur Castillo went on to eliminate Nigel Dunkerley before booking a place in the final with Mark Lupi. The latter, once again, showed that he is still one of the top players around with a 3-0 win.

Malta Squash said there are some new players in the 'B' category who are improving fast and looking to upstage those who have been around for some time.

In fact, the final was between Matthew Borg, a relative newcomer, and 17-year-old John Cuschieri who made significant progress lately.

Cuschieri beat Borg 3-1 to earn promotion for the next tournament.