Bonnici and Wood win race one of BSJ series

The Birkirkara SJ 2009 Open Water Series opened on June 7 under an overcast sky and choppy waters at Qawra. However, competition in the sea was rife as both Luke Bonnici and Michelle Wood had to dig deep with a sprint finish to emerge winners in their respective categories.

Thirty-three swimmers started the 2,000m race, with the top swimmers setting a cautious pace, also aware of the conditions prevailing.

Midway through the second lap, Luke Bonnici, Roberto Demicoli and Andrew Grech opened a gap, while Isabelle Zarb and Wood were leading the women's race.

In the last 50 metres of the fourth and final lap, Bonnici, still closely followed by Demicoli and Grech, opened the sprint. However, his opponents reacted swiftly and the race to the finish buoy was frantic.

Bonnici was home first in 34 minutes 22 seconds, a mere one second ahead of Demicoli, with Grech finishing third in 34 minutes 25 seconds.

The women's race was another close affair.

Zarb held on to the lead till the final 100 metres, when Wood started to emerge from her opponent's shadow.

With 30 metres to go, Wood took the lead, increasing her pace and the gap on Zarb.

The latter's reaction was to no avail as Wood hit the finish buoy first in 38 minutes 44 seconds.

Zarb was second in 38 minutes 50 seconds and Johanna Calleja third one minute later.

The second race in the Open Water Series will be held on June 24.