The Maltese wrestling team, under the charge of coach Jesmond Giordimaina, finished a creditable sixth in the final classification of the Grand Prix Sicilia, a tournament for teams held recently in Palermo, Sicily.

Maltese wrestlers have been competing annually in Sicily since 1975. Nineteen teams took part in this year's edition but Giordimaina's wrestlers had to compete in higher weight categories as the 2kg weight tolerance was removed.

Abraham Vassallo entered the 96kg category instead of 84kg. Notwithstanding the weight handi-cap, he went on to win a silver medal.

For the first time in his career, Aidan Buhagiar went up to the 120kg class, the highest weight category. He also finished second.

In the 74kg, Andrea Saliba did quite well to place fifth out of 16 competitors. Adam Vella and David Zammit lost narrowly on points in their 66kg bouts.

Young Gary Giordimaina was also included in the Maltese squad but pulled out with an injury during the tournament.

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