Charles Degiorgio and Kris Mintoff obtained commendable results in a powerlifting competition held in Belgium last weekend.

Weighing in at 81kgs, Degiorgio produced lifts of 215/125/262.5 for an overall 602.5kgs total.

Mintoff (99kg) hoisted 235/147.5/272.5 for a 655kg total.

Degiorgio had the best result in the unequipped section of the competition while Mintoff achieved the highest total of all unequipped lifters.

The first edition of the Belgium Open, held concurrently with the Belgian National Championship, also attracted lifters from England, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany.

Degiorgio competed in the -82.5kg category for the first time in many years. He managed to break the squat, deadlift and total Maltese records in this category.

Mintoff bettered his own personal record (total) by five kilos.

All numbers, except the bench press, were personal records.

Degiorgio began in solid fashion with a 200kg squat attempt and secured his second attempt with an easy 215kg. His third attempt at 220kg was disallowed on depth.

Degiorgio was successful in his three attempts on the bench, 115kg, 120kg and 125kg, before opening with a 250kg attempt on the deadlift. Degiorgio completed his second at 262.5 only to miss his third at 267.5kg at knee level.

Mintoff got his first squat at 220kg but his second, at 232.5kg, was ruled out on depth.

Nevertheless, he decided to increase weight for the third attempt and nailed an easy 235kg lift on his last. He benched 140, 145 and 147.5kg in succession.

Mintoff rounded the day with three valid attempts in deadlift – 260, 267.5, 272.5kgs.