Malta and Sliema Burger King forward John Soler was this week named Waterpolo Player of the Year for a second successive time by the Aquatic Sports Association.

Soler topped a special poll conducted throughout the season by a team of ASA officials and journalists after helping Sliema to their 28th national league title. He was the top scorer in the summer championship and also the chief marksman for the national team during the year.

In 2002, Soler brought to a halt a ten-year barren spell for Sliema after claiming the Player of the Year award to emulate his father Michael, now club president, who won the honour way back in 1973.

There was no Sliema player to win the contest since 1992 when former team skipper Marco Manara was named best player for that particular season.

Meanwhile, David Pace Lupi, of Exiles, was declared the best player in Division Two last season. Pace Lupi was an instrumental figure in his side's runners-up position in the league and the KO competition success.

Previous 10 winners: 1993 Kurt Dowling (San Giljan); 1994 Kurt Dowling (San Giljan); 1995 Kurt Dowling (San Giljan); 1996 Mario Zammit (San Giljan); 1997 Charlie Zammit (Marsascala); 1998 Jonathan Valletta (Sirens); 1999 Paul Privitera (Sirens); 2000 Jonathan Valletta (Sirens); 2001 Niki Lanzon (Neptunes); 2002 John Soler (Sliema).

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