Finals marked by sporting acts

Badminton Malta recently organised the 38th edition of its Malta National Championships, once again sponsored by EuroSport.

David Cole and Kenneth Vella contested the men's singles final. The former had ousted title holder Stefan Salomone in the semi-finals.

Cole took the first set 21-12 but Vella reacted strongly in the second, which he won 21-17. The third set was to decide the issue. However, with Vella leading 8-7, Cole was forced to withdraw after sustaining a serious injury.

To his credit, Vella declined to claim the national singles title and opted to replay the match at a later date, once his opponent had recovered from his injury.

Cole's withdrawal meant that the men's doubles final had to be called off. Cole was due to partner Kenneth Vella against Robert and Stefan Salomone. Here again, the Salomone brothers offered to replay the match at a later date, rather than being declared winners without playing.

Joanne Cassar and Fiorella Farrugia made it to the women's singles final; the former had eliminated defending champion Maria Borg in the semis.

A determined Cassar started well to claim the first set 21-14. Cassar did not relinquish her hold in the second set which she won 21-6 for her 11th national singles title.

The women's doubles title was retained by Catherine Dimech/ Cassar who beat Maria Borg/Farrugia 21-14, 21-11 in the final.

Stefan Salomone/Farrugia successfully defended their mixed doubles title.

In a three-set thriller, Salomone/Farrugia had the better of David Cole/ Cassar 21-11, 18-21, 24-22.

In a statement, Badminton Malta commended the acts of true sportsmanship made by the finalists and expressed its satisfaction at the high standard of play shown throughout the Championships.