The Gatorade Malta Open, sanctioned by the Malta Tennis Federation and played at the Marsa Sports Club, came to a close on Sunday with the finals of the singles event.

In the women's final, Elaine Genovese came up against Kim Cassar. The two contestants figured in various WTA Futures tournaments in summer, coming to this match at the top of their game.

Genovese started strongly, racing to a 4-1 lead after producing some excellent shots from her forehand side. But Cassar rallied and won the next two games only for Genovese to get hold of her nerves at such a crucial stage before winning the set 6-4.

Cassar led 4-2 in the second set and when everyone thought that a decider would be needed to settle this entertaining encounter, Genovese came up with some precise passing shots and volleys to clinch it 7-5.

Genovese was confident on court and looked a different player from when she took part in the ITF junior tournament and the Fed Cup last April.

On their way to the final, Genovese eliminated Susi Mifsud and Brenda Galea as Cassar beat Klara Sitarova and Steffie Sullivan.

In the men's final, Matthew Asciak beat Denzil Agius 6-1 6-0.

Asciak won the Malta championship at the age of 15 and this was his fifth consecutive national title.

Agius has lifted his game by a few notches lately but still not enough to beat Asciak, now ranked 965 on the ATP List.

In the semi-finals, Asciak ousted Bradley Callus and Agius had the better of Mark Gatt in a very close three-setter - 5-7 6-4 7-5.

The men's doubles final was played the day before, the honours going to Asciak/Callus who beat Agius/Gatt 6-4 6-4. The consolation event was won by Bernard Cassar Torregiani. He beat Raphael Sammut 6-2 6-2.

The presentation of trophies was conducted by Godwin Borg, Tennis Section chairman, in the presence of Malta Tennis Federation president David Farrugia Sacco.