Maltese players competing at the Grand Prix of Rome, held recently, achieved a spate of remarkable results to further raise the profile of Maltese table football in the international scene.

After his success in the English Grand Prix and the Major of Bologna some weeks ago, Joseph Mifsud extended his winning run in the veterans category with another superb showing to claim the title in Rome.

Mifsud narrowed the gap with leader Erich Hinkelmann to 150 points in the world rankings.

“I want to keep playing this game at the top level and that kind of determination has helped me to obtain such positive results,” Mifsud, whose next assignment will be the World Cup in Palermo later this month, said.

“Table football is my favourite sport and my interest never diminishes.

“The World Cup is up next so I am determined to stay in top form for this prestigious tournament with top players involved.”

Jason Pisani, another veteran, also played in the Grand Prix of Rome.

In his third appearance overseas, Pisani, the treasurer of the Malta Table Football Sport Association, did well to reach the quarter-finals and secure a top-70 berth in the international rankings.

Angelo Borg was disappointed to lose the U-19 final in Rome but the youngster’s fine performances of late earned him no.1 spot in the U-19 rankings.

This season, Borg has reached eight finals from nine interna-tional tournaments he contested.

In Rome, he failed to clinch the title but still continued to show improvement and accuracy in his moves.

In the Open, the best result for the Maltese was a last-eight sho-wing by Valletta SC player Mario Camilleri who continues to push hard for a call-up to the national team ahead of the World Cup.

Camilleri will stay at Valletta SC next season despite interest from some overseas clubs, particularly one from Greece.

In the teams’ event in Rome, Greek side Atlas, of Derek Conti and Mark Gauci, reached the semi-finals before bowing out to eventual winners Perugia.