Calvin Dean Caruana performing during a competition hosted by the weightlifting association at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

The Malta Weightlifting Association (MWA) have just held a test event ahead of the Mediterranean Cup, the ninth edition of which will be staged in Malta between March 19 and 22.

Female lifters stood out with their performances at the Cottonera Sports Complex, setting 13 new national records.

Krista Camilleri won the overall female category with 169 points, lifting the total of 133kg and establishing eight new records in the 69kg category.

Pamela Psaila was second on 164 points, lifting the total of 120kg and setting a new record in the 63kg category.

Third place went to Sarah Grixti with 145 points. She had to battle hard for the remaining place on the podium with Dorianne Attard who accumulated a point less.

A big number of lifters also participated in the men’s competitions.

In the main category, Kyle Micallef lifted 240kg total followed by Noel Coleiro’s 235kg and Rodmar Pulis’s 215kg in third place.

This event was the last chance for those vying for international competitions selection.

The athletes chosen to form part of Team Malta for the Mediterranean Cup are Micallef, Ryan Agius, Coleiro, Pulis, Camilleri and Psaila.

One of the advantages when hosting an international event like the Med. Cup is that of providing an opportunity for fringe athletes to figure in a ‘B’ team.

The ones in the selection are Owen Bugeja, Jovan Reljic, Daryl Psaila, Matthew Camilleri, Grixti, Attard and Hayley Mizzi.

Plaza seminar

The countries that have already registered their teams for the Mediterranean Cup are Spain, France, San Marino, Italy, Bosnia, Slovenia, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Tunisia.

During the tournament a seminar will be held at the Plaza Hotel on March 20.

The main item on the seminar agenda will be more focus on new approaches and therapeutic prospects in weightlifting sport with the main talks conducted by Michele Attolico, of the MWC Medical, Scientific and Research Commission.

March 21 will be the most eventful day of the Mediterranean Cup with the first competition for men starting at 9am.

During the afternoon break there will be an athletes parade at the Cottonera Sports Complex followed by short speeches from the distinguished guests and a show by Rhythmic Gymnasts.

One may obtain more details on the Mediterranean Cup through www.maltaweightlifting.com or www.facebook.com/maltaweight- lifting.