Four wrestlers, Adam Vella, Andrea Saliba, David Galea and Abraham Vassallo, have represented Malta at the British Open Senior Championships in Sheffield.

Galea put on the best showing among the Maltese wrestlers after obtaining two victories in the 74kg cate-gory.

In the first encounter, Galea lost narrowly on points against Aodvakan Batmev, of Russia.

Galea then beat Steward MacKay, of Scotland, and overcame an Iranian wrestler by a fall.

In a statement, the Malta Wrestling Federation said that, if the regulations had been applied correctly, Galea should have been awarded a bronze medal but had to settle for fourth place.

The team, under the guidance of national coach Jesmond Giordimaina, are intensifying their preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.

In the 61kg category, Vella found the going tough, losing his opening bout against Russia’s Sascha Madtrachy who went on to win gold.

Vella then faced England’s George Ramm who is set to represent his country in the Commonwealths. The English wrestler proved too strong on the day.

Andrea Saliba lost both his encounters in the 65kg category. He was beaten by Phillip Roberts, of England, who went on to claim the title, and then went down to Noric Kozariam who represented Ireland.

Malta’s other representative was Vassallo (84kg) who was involved in one bout which he lost on points.

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