Vicky Licari rejoined the judo national team pool only last year following a lengthy absence from competition but she is quickly regaining her old form as her double success in two Italian tournaments testify.

For the past year, under the guidance of Alfredo Monti, Licari has altered her approach to the sport, changing her training scheme, diet and weight training.

Last May, she moved up to Brown Belt, passing her grading examination with flying colours. After an experimental competition in the Malta Open, Licari prepared for two events abroad - the Città di Messina and Città di Lipari tournaments.

In the U-70kgs category in Messina, Licari was drawn in a pool of four. Her first opponent, Romina Vrono, of CUS Cosenza, was held down in just one minute 41 seconds. Licari then had the better of Antonella Galfo and Teresa Ventruto. All wins by Ippon confirmed her superiority.

In the Lipari event, Licari again struck gold to further sustain her bid for a GSSE berth in Andorra next year.

Eileen Portelli, back in competition after recovering from injury, participated in the Lipari tournament and was the winner of her category. Young Keith Balzan took silver.

Gerolamo Giovinazzo, silver medallist in the Atlanta Olympic Games, held a training stage in Lipari.

Silver medal for Cachia

Mark Cachia returned from the Canary Islands Youth Games with a bronze medal, emulating Rachel Grech's feat two years ago in Ajaccio.

Cachia formed part of a Malta Olympic Committee contingent which included a sailing team and another judoka, Jerome Zammit. The latter lost a decisive bout but still managed a creditable fifth place.

Meanwhile, Marcon Bezzina, who will figure in the Athens Games, is currently undergoing some intensive preparation in Rome with Italy's national Cadets team.

She is due in Malta next week for another training camp, conducted by Maestro Angelo Beltrachini.