Fine showing by Maltese kayakers in Cyprus

The fifth International Kayak Regatta in Cyprus produced excellent results for four Maltese kayakers who competed in the sprint races last weekend.

The races, held in Yermasogia Dam, attracted entries from Hungary, Serbia, Czech Republic, Greece and Malta along those of the host country.

Veteran Gerald DeGaetano set the bar for the Maltese team after placing fourth in the senior men’s 1,000m race. DeGaetano maintained his pace with a close finish behind Michalis Kyriakou. First place went to Manos Manoli, of Cyprus.

In the women’s 1,000m race, Nicola Borg Costanzi stepped up the pace to snatch the silver medal in a new national record of 4.56.20, finishing behind Serbia’s Nikolina Moldovan (4.40.45).

The promising Matthew Schembri then fended off the challenge of more experienced paddlers for fourth place in the juniors 1,000m event.

Schembri also established a new national record of 4.29.56, proof that hours and hours of dedicated training do pay off.

First and second places went to Hungary duo Dudas Miklos and Hufnagel Tibor who sprinted home in 3.54.78 and 3.57.55 respectively. Daniel Hofman (Czech Rep.) was third in 3.58.06.

The 500m races meant kayakers had to fight even harder to pull ahead.

DeGaetano fought against tough competition and finished in a respectable time of 2.28.25. First place went to Tahmatzin Hooten (Cyprus), 2.02.32.

In the women’s race Moldovan took gold in a time of 2.34.43. Hungarian Alexandra Georgopoulou had to settle for silver in 2.35.46 while Borg Costanzi held firm to preserve third place in 2.47.86.

One of the closest races on the day was the juniors 500m sprint. Here, Schembri just missed out on a place on the podium.

The last event of the day was the 200m sprint. Moldovan and Georgopoulou, once again, dominated the race finishing at 48.12 and 50.99 respectively. Borg Costanzi placed fourth with a time of 1.05.07.

The men’s 200m race saw Chris Camilleri and Schembri place seventh (48.26) and eighth (49.63) respectively.

The last race of the day, the men’s 200m K2 sprint, had the closest finish of all.

Hungary won the race in 38.58 ahead of the Czechs, 42.28, and Cyprus, 43.13. Malta’s Camilleri and Schembri covered the distance in 43.33.

In Cyprus, the Maltese kayakers were assisted by the Maltese Olympic Committee.