The final of the U-19 women’s singles National Championships was played at the Kirkop Sports Complex last weekend with Sarah Fava claiming the major honour after beating Yanika Polidano in a thrilling encounter.

Fava won the first set 21-17 but Polidano produced a gritty comeback and edged through to win the second game 21-15 to force a decider.

Polidano took the first three points of the deciding set but Fava soon regained her touch to dominate the proceedings, allowing her opponent to collect a mere 13 points before cruising to victory – 21-13.

Fava had to negotiate two other intriguing matches on her way to reaching the final of the U-19 tournament.

In the quarter-finals, she eliminated Cheryl Gilford 21-11, 21-16 before having the better of Rebecca Spiteri 21-5, 21-17 in the last-four stage of the competition.

This was a memorable championship for Fava who was also successful in doubles and mixed events.

In the doubles competition, she partnered Gilford to beat Polidano and Michaela Ellul 21-12, 21-17 and in the mixed tournament title match Fava and Matthew Abela beat Mark Abela and Anne Marie Bezzina 21-10, 21-8.

Meanwhile, Matthew Abela won the singles final when beating Nigel Degaetano in three sets – 22-24, 21-9, 21-11.

The Under-19 boys doubles title went to Matthew Abela and partner Sam Cassar. They beat Degaetano and Kyle Sciberras 21-14, 21-17 in the final.