Last year's open water swim series champion Keith Galea started his title defence in style recently as he outsprinted his rivals to notch up his first victory in the 2008 series.

Malta triathlon champion Danica Spiteri was dominant in the women's race in Buġibba, winning by an impressive margin over the chasing group that included defending champion Isabelle Zarb.

This first race in a series of six, organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, was held in perfect conditions for the 36 participants in the various categories.

Up to the last 500 metres of the men's race, there was little between Galea, Simon Zammit and Nicky Farrugia but that was until the final turning point when all three set off on their sprints.

Galea hit the finish first in 30:18, followed by Zammit four seconds later and Farrugia in 30:28.

By the first 500-metre lap, Spiteri had opened an insurmountable gap over the other swimmers and went on to wrap up her first victory, swimming the two kilometres in 31 minutes and four seconds.

However, second place was highly contested with Roberta Zammit managing to finish four seconds ahead of Zarb in 34:32.

The second race of the series will be over two kilometres on June 25.