Tenpin bowlers and National Sport School students Sara Xuereb and Matthew Magro achieved further success in the international arena after leaving their mark in the second Youth Challenge, in Zurich, played last weekend.

While Xuereb emerged as champion in the girls’ singles tournament, Magro claimed a silver medal in singles and a gold in doubles event.

In singles, Xuereb qualified for the semi-finals (top 28) in third place on 885 pins from four games. Magro went through in ninth place on 836.

Points were then halved and a further three games were played, which saw Xuereb improve to second place (1,070) and Magro qualifying in 10th place (989), among the top 14 who would compete in the three-game final.

It was here that the Maltese youngsters would come into their own.

Xuereb managed a further 661 to her total, for a final tally of 1,731 pins to secure the gold medal.

Magro staged an incredible fightback, rolling a brilliant 730 set (257-208-265), the highest series among all finalists, which saw him soar all the way up to the runner-up position with 1,719 pins.

The doubles event in Zurich was played over three games.

Magro paired up with Swiss youth player Marc Jorg. And they proved to be a very successful match as they took first place with their 1,304 joint total.

Magro also paired up with Xuereb in a second line-up in the doubles tournament, and their 1,256 effort rewarded them with third place.

For the trip to Switzerland, Xuereb and Magro were accompanied by coach Rick Vogelesang along with bowling champion and mentor Sue Abela.