Friday, October 31 marked the day when the Malta Arm Wrestling Association held its first national championship, an event sponsored by Cisk.

There were three categories contested - U-70kg, U-86kg and open.

Referees on the day were Joe Tanti and Paul Farrugia.

Gordon Falzon was a cut above the rest in the U-70kg as he emerged unbeaten in this category.

The U-86kg was a well contested class. Group A comprised five 'muscle men'. Here, Keith Fenech and Joseph Spiteri Paris stole the scene by winning the first three bouts 3-0.

However, in one of the contests, Spiteri Paris sustained an injury and this proved to be his downfall.

Elton Debono and Clifton Spagnol were the superior athletes in Group B as they won all their bouts.

A determined Debono won a rightful place in the final after disposing of Fenech 3-0 in the semi-finals. The second tie was uncontested. Spiteri Paris retired injured and Spagnol qualified automatically.

In the final, Spagnol asserted his strength with a superb 3-0 win despite Debono's hard resistance.

In the over 86kg category, Jason Farrugia stole the show, winning all his bouts without conceding a loss. Such was his superiority that all his bouts lasted just under three seconds.

Farrugia takes this sport seriously and also figured in the World Championships in Italy three years ago.

The first three classified in each category were then given the option to contest an open category. The highlight was the bout between the upcoming Falzon and Spagnol.

Despite the difference in weight, Falzon outsmarted his rival and edged his way into the final against Farrugia.

The final bout was in reality a formality as the difference in weight and Farrugia's expertise made all the difference.

The arm wrestling organisation, affiliated to the Malta Wrestling Federation, plans to hold similar competitions on a regular basis in future.