Following the earlier organisation of the Under-13 and Under-19 competitions, this season's edition of these championships recently came to a close at St Martin's College with the Under-16 event.

These championships have been a regular feature of the local association's seasonal calendar for several years, serving as a showcase for the emerging talents within its junior ranks.

They also give each participant the chance to gauge his/her skill against opponents within the same age bracket, while at the same time motivating them to higher achievements.

The boys' singles title was won by Edmond De Giovanni. In the final, he had the better of runner-up Bernard Bezzina over three sets. Having won the opening set 11-8 at the end of a balanced encounter played well by both players, De Giovanni was forced to surrender the second set 9-11 in front of Bezzina's determined reaction.

However, he regained control in the third set, winning it 11-8, to take the match and the title.

Both players then teamed up to take the boys' doubles title. In the final, they defeated Avner Vella/Daniel Baldacchino in two straight sets with an unequivocal 11-1 11-2 score.

Maria Borg won the girls' singles title with an 11-3 11-9 victory in the final against runner-up Fiorella Farrugia.

As evidenced by the score, Borg was firmly in control throughout the first set. The second set was a more balanced affair, which Borg equally managed to make her own, despite Farrugia's determined attempts to salvage the match.

Both players then teamed up to take the girls' doubles title, defeating Jeanella Grech/Mathilde Friggieri in the final.

The activities of the Badminton Association continue on Sunday with a single fixture from the Mixed League in which Birkirkara Medairco 'B' will play Shuttles BC.