Following the U-13 and U-16 events, Badminton Malta have just hosted the U-19 National Championship at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

The tournament was the concluding instalment of a competition trilogy that brought together the best emerging talent within the association’s ranks, distinguished in three separate age brackets.

The boys’ singles final was contested by Owen Grech, the 2011 beaten finalist, and Nigel Degaetano. On his way to the final, the latter had ousted defending champion Kyle Sciberras.

Nevertheless, it was Grech who claimed the title 21-8, 21-5.

The equivalent girls’ singles final was contested by sisters Domini-que and Catriona Francica, with the former taking the national title at her sister’s expense at the end of two balanced sets which finished 21-18, 21-18.

Sciberras and Degaetano added the U-19 boys’ doubles title to the U-16 title already in their curriculum. In the final, they came from behind to beat Grech/Matthew Abela at the end of three hard-fought sets – 18-21, 21-17, 21-16.

The Francica siblings clinched the national doubles title when they defeated Clarissa Grech/ Sarah Debono 21-5, 21-5.

The Under-19 tournament was brought to a close by the mixed doubles event.

Owen Grech/Catriona Francica prevailed over Matthew Abela/ Dominique Francica over two sets which ended 21-16, 21-15.

With the entire 2012 edition of its junior championships now concluded, Badminton Malta congratulated all participants in the separate categories for the high standard of play shown.

The organisation also encouraged the young players to strive harder in their training and to take part in other competitions organised along the season.