Thirty-eight players, split in three categories, have just taken part in the second tournament of the year organised by Malta Squash at the Union Club, Sliema.

The A section, open to top players and national team members, was won by Mark Lupi. In a thrilling final, he beat Ivan Balzan 3-2 with the score reading 11-9 in the decisive set.

Lupi eliminated Jonathan Sammut and Robert Sultana 3-0 on his way to the final while Balzan overcame an in-form Johanna Rizzo and ex-Malta champion Karl Magri, back in the game after a long absence.

The B Open had no fewer than 20 players battling it out for the honours. In the end, the competition was won by Daniel Alhamer. It was the giant Swede's third successive final in Malta Squash competitions. This time he managed a convincing win over Matthew Borg.

Alhamer's reach around the court was too much for Borg who, however, should be satisfied with his performance after a brilliant tournament.

Alhamer was not the only foreigner in the Squash Open as others from Denmark, Italy, France and Brazil took part along with the locals.

The other event in store at the Union Club was the Ladies B Open, for beginners. Analise Attard was the winner of the competition after beating Maria Duffy in the final.

The next competition on the Malta Squash calendar is the Cynergy Open later this month. In a statement, Malta Squash thanked the Malta Union Club for making their ASB squash courts available for the tournament, and the Palace Hotel who sponsored the prizes.