Team Malta finalised

The final three eight-game sessions from the Mediterranean Championships qualifiers at the Eden SuperBowl, saw Dennis Mercieca and Sue Abela win their categories.

They will be joined by runners-up Justin Caruana Scicluna and Tiziana Carannante to complete the team to represent Malta at the 13th Mediterranean Championships in Paphos, Cyprus, in April.

Abela, the clear favourite to win the women's division, led the field from day one, closing out with a 4,759 total from 24 games (198.2 average). She will be defending her title in Cyprus having won the 12th event in Montpellier, France in 2009.

Carannante also produced a fine overall display, totalling 4,549 pins (189.5 ave) to clinch second place, 155 pins ahead of Melissa Swift.

Although Mercieca also held the lead from the opening session in the men's competition, it came down to the wire on day three as he managed to clinch it by just four pins with a 4,957 total (206.5 ave).

Caruana Scicluna was a close second after a strong performance over the last eight games.

With only one game remaining, there were three bowlers in contention for the top spot, with Neil Sullivan having to settle for third place, 14 down on Caruana Scicluna on 4,939 pins (205.7 ave).

Team Malta will head for Cyprus looking to maintain their dominance of the Mediterranean Championships, as after 12 editions Malta tops the medal standings with a total of 26 golds, ahead of rivals Greece on 23.