Abraham Vassallo just missed a bronze medal in the pre-Mediterranean Games tournament in the Spanish city of Almeria. His fine showing followed Jason Zammit's winning of a silver medal in a youth tournament in Belgium, a few weeks before.

Almeria will be hosting the Mediterranean Games in 2005.

All Mediterranean countries were invited to take part, however, only a few responded. To compensate, the organisers invited wrestlers from outside the region, such as Georgia and Great Britain.

Vassallo, in the 85kg category, placed second in his pool and qualified to contest the bronze medal against a wrestler from Georgia.

Vassallo went down on points, just three behind his opponent.

The Maltese group included two cadets, namely, Jason Zammit and Karl Mifsud. Nothing big was expected from these two youngsters considering they were competing in a tournament intended for seniors.

The Maltese were under the direction of national coach Jesmond Giordemaina. International referee Pawlu Farrugia controlled a good number of bouts.

Next month, Maltese wrestlers will be taking part in two international events - the Friendship International Tournament and the Grand Prix Sicily, in Palermo.

In November, the Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation will be hosting the 11th Small States Championships in conjunction with the first Malta International Open in Marsascala.

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