Junior championships

The national championship for juniors, sponsored by San Michel and sanctioned by the Malta Tennis Federation, was held recently at the Marsa Sports Club.

In the U-16 singles, twin brothers Matthew and Bernard Cassar Torregiani, still 12 years old, reached the final after eliminating Chris Abdelghani and Raphael Sammut respectively.

On the day, Matthew proved to be the stronger player, beating his brother in a close encounter 7-6 6-4.

Bernard made up for that upset after winning the U-14 title with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Sammut. In U-12 singles, Mark Schranz was in a class of his own, beating the improving Jeremy Borg 6-1 6-2.

The girls' U-16 event was won by the more experienced Brenda Galea. In the final she had the better of Steffi Gambin in straight sets.

The U-14 title was won by Emma Dimech. The beaten finalist was Bettina Aquilina and the other girls reaching the semi-finals were Georgia Farrugia Sacco and Alexia Cassar.

Farrugia Sacco beat close rival Cassar in three sets in the U-12 final.

The U-10 category was a mixed event with Bettina Booker emerging winner after beating James Robertson in the decisive match. Nathan Bonello won the plate event at the expense of Stefan Malaguti.

This week, Maltese junior players will figure in another international U-14 ETA event at Tennis Club Kordin. The competition is being held in conjunction with Kunsill Malti għall-iSport and Malta Tourism Authority.