Open water swimming championship winner Neil Agius added a second title to his name after touching shore first in the 2013 Gozo-Malta Open swim, held recently, to round up a brilliant season.

Agius finished the race in the best time ever recorded on the route.

Fifty-nine swimmers, accompanied by escort boats, started the 5.5-kilometre crossing from Qala to Marfa.

Agius won the race in one hour, 11 minutes, 13 seconds.

He was followed by Manwel Falzon, who completed the distance in one hour, 29 minutes, 32 seconds, and Under-17 competitor Zach Cutajar – 1:30.37.

In the women’s race, Maria Camilleri carried the honours in 1:39.17 followed by Margaret Seguna 1:41.15. Denise Buttigeg was third in 1:50.38.

Meanwhile, 13 swimmers took part in the more arduous Malta-Gozo-Malta challenge which was held on the same day and route of the Gozo-Malta race.

Simon Zammit did the double crossing in 2 hours, 54 minutes, 48 seconds. Gilbert Bartolo was the runner-up in 2:59.24 and Roberto Demicoli was third in 3 hours and 4 minutes.

The only woman in the 11-kilometre race was Marian Belsten.

She covered the distance in 3 hours, 59 minutes, 56 seconds.

The two events were organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, and sponsored by Festina Watches.

In a statement, Birkirkara SJ thanked the Ports and Yachting Directorate of Transport Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta and the Riviera Resort & Spa of Marfa, for their assistance.