Salomone and Borg defend Malta titles

The 40th edition of the Malta badminton national champion-ships get underway this evening in Cospicua.

The championships, sub-titled the Paddy Stubbs Memorial since 1998, are being played at the Cottonera Sports Complex, starting at 7 p.m. They will come to a close on May 1, with the finals scheduled to be held at the St Martin’s College, Swatar.

The overall event comprises the traditional five categories: men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles.

Due to the considerable number of participants, the men’s singles will start with a preliminary phase, at the end of which the top two players will progress to the Main Draw.

Defending Malta champion Stefan Salomone will once again have to face the challenge posed by Kenneth Vella, last season’s finalist, if he is to retain his crown for yet another edition.

David Cole, Edmond Abela and Aldo Polidano are also expected to have a say in determining the final destination of this national title.

In the women’s singles, defending champion Maria Borg appears to be equally determined not to let the national title slip from her grasp. She will, however, have to come to terms with Fiorella Farrugia, last season’s finalist.

While wishing the best of luck to all the participants, Badminton Malta expressed its satisfaction in a statement at the high number of competitors who will be vying for the 2011 national titles.

“This highlights the ever increasing popularity of this sport,” Bad-minton Malta said while inviting the Maltese sporting public to attend these championships in order to appreciate the local game at its best.