The Malta Tenpin Bowling Association (MTBA) yesterday convened the media to celebrate its successful participation at the Mediterranean Challenge Cup, held in Crete last week.
The Maltese team, made up of Sue Abela, Tiziana Carannante, Mark Spiteri and Mauro Anastasi, returned home with an excellent haul of four medals, two gold, one silver and one bronze to consolidate their status as the most successful nation in the 18-year history of this annual tournament.
Abela was again the star performer after striking gold in the All Events competition while Spiteri became the first bowler to roll a perfect 300 score on his way to winning a silver medal in the Masters Event. He then teamed up with Anastasi to take bronze in the doubles.
The Maltese bowlers left their best for last as they managed to amass a record total of 964 points to claim top spot in the team event.
Paul Baldacchino, president of the MTBA, told reporters yesterday that team spirit played a key part in Malta’s success in Greece.
“I’m so proud of the performances of our players,” Baldacchino said.
“Things didn’t look very promising in the opening days of the championship but on Saturday night, the team showed greater unity and, after effecting a number of technical changes, we hit our stride when it mattered most.
“We managed to win the Team Event for the first time in 10 years with a record score while Spiteri also became the first bowler to strike a perfect 300 during competition, thus making it a memorable participation for Malta.”
The team’s success in Chania has further strengthened Malta’s position at the top of the overall medal standings after 18 editions.
Huge achievement
Malta leads the way with 36 gold medals, 23 silver and 28 bronze, ahead of Greece (34-26-30) and Italy (17-27-29).
“It’s a huge achievement for a small country like Malta to enjoy such dominance at Mediterranean level against far bigger countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, France and Turkey,” Baldacchino said.
“It’s true that Sue Abela has contributed the bulk of medals won by Malta over the years but we are seeing other bowlers who are also holding their own at this level.
“I believe that we have a strong base of players who can be relied upon to lead us to more success.”
Baldacchino revealed that the MTBA is planning to host the Med. Challenge Cup in the near future.
“We have set up a committee that is working towards preparing a strong bid for the 2018 championships,” Baldacchino said.
“The last time this competition was held in Malta was in 2005, so I think it’s high time we host such a prestigious event again.
“We are planning to present our bid at the Mediterranean Congress in Bologna next year. I’m sure that having many top-quality bowlers playing here will inspire many youngsters to take up the sport.”
Also present for yesterday’s news conference was Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Chris Agius who congratulated the MTBA on the success achieved in Chania.
“Such excellent results on the international scene are a huge boost for Maltese sport,” Agius said.
“The government is committed to assisting local associations who show a strong interest to host international competitions.
“I assure the MTBA that we will give all the support needed to bring the Mediterranean Challenge Cup to Malta in the coming years.”