Owen Bugeja

Three members of the Malta Weightlifting Association (MWA) on Sunday participated in the regional weightlifting championships in San Cataldo, Sicily.

The Sicilians were looking to qualify for the Italian National Championships while the Maltese lifters had a chance to test their ability in preparation for up-coming international events.

Ryan Agius and Owen Bugeja competed against 11 others in the -85kg category. Agius produced a solid performance and a best snatch lift of 110kg, narrowly missing his last attempt of 115kg, and a clean and jerk 125kg.

With a 235kg total, Agius earned 282 points to claim first place in his category followed by F. Bruno, 265 points, and G. Candela, 262.

Bugeja, 15, hoisted 88kg in the snatch phase but missed his last attempt of 92kg after losing his balance.

In clean and jerk, Bugeja lifted 100kg.

That earned the young lifter a total of 225 points and second place in the U-17 category, behind G. Trimarchi with 256 points. S. Macaluso was third on 147.

Martin Pisani participated in the -105kg category.

Despite an unsteady start in the snatch, Pisani still managed to pull off a 100kg attempt and a successful 125kg clean and jerk. This was a creditable result for Pisani who is still recovering from minor injuries.

Pisani totalled 248 points to take the runner-up spot behind E. Giordano who won his category with 270 points. Third place went to G. Mauro, 243 points.

The Maltese lifters were accompanied and coached by Jesmond Caruana.

The MWA participation in this tournament was made possible through the help of the Maltese Olympic Committee and the close ties with the Sicilian Weightlifting Federation.