The annual Gozo-Malta Open Water Swimming Channel, organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club, under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, was held yesterday, with 48 swimmers setting off from Ras il-Qala in Gozo towards Marfa for 5.5 km.

The channel was dotted with accompanying boats as the swimmers took on the strong undercurrents prevailing, especially the stretch between Comino and Malta.

Following her victory in the club's recently-held four-kilometre race, Davina Mangion clocked 1:35.00 to be the first swimmer home, followed by David Zammit in 1:35.19.

Both opened a huge gap on the rest of the field with Roberto Demicoli finishing behind Zammit in the men's race in 1:52.04. Andrew Grech was third 20 seconds behind.

Second female finisher was Isabelle Zarb in 1:58.38 and Monique Mangion third in 1:59.36.

The charitable institution which benefitted from this year's channel swim was Inspire.

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