Over 60 junior players took part in the San Michel Malta Junior Open Tennis Championships, played at the Marsa Sports Club.

The championships were sanctioned by the Malta Tennis Federation and organised by the Tennis Section of the Marsa Sports Club.

The Open attracts up-and-coming players aged eight to 16, who play on a knock-out basis over one week to determine the winners in both boys’ and girls’ categories.

The finals, played last weekend, saw Miguel Galea, aged only 12, being crowned champion in two categories.

Galea won the U-16 title for the first time after a pulsating game against runner-up Zach Ciappara, and U-14 tournament after beating the talented Benjamin Farrugia in the final.

In other boys competitions, Liam Delicata was declared U-12 champion after defeating Thomas Griscti in the final.

In the girls events, Katrina Sammut produced a fine performance to see off the challenge of the Francesca Curmi in the U-14 event.

Curmi won the U-12 title after beating Martina Demanuele in the final.

Sasha Mamo had the better of Alex Degabriele to secure the Under-10 boys singles title while the girls’ honour went to Emma Mallia with Maja Glumac the runner-up.

These two young players surprised everyone with their ability on court at such a young age.

“The performance level during the tournament was very high with these young and talented players showcasing their physical, technical and tactical qualities which augur well for Malta on the international tennis scene,” the Malta Tennis Federation said in a statement.

David Farrugia Sacco, president of the Malta Tennis Federation, and Karen Scicluna Calleja, on behalf of Farsons, presented the trophies to the winners.

The Marsa Sports Club organises various social and international tennis tournaments with the next major event being the Gatorade Malta Open Championships between October 5 and 12.

More information may be obtained by calling 21233851.