Schranz, Munroe prevail in exciting Open finals

Steve Schranz had the better of Bernard Bugeja in the 2008 6pm Squash Open men's final. In a match where finesse met aggressiveness, two of the most talented and consistent players faced off in a nail-biting encounter.

In the women's final, Annabelle Olivieri-Munroe's speed enabled her to overcome the talented Theresa Camilleri in a very tight match. Those present saw the fifth and final set go to 10-8 after a flurry of shots and volleys, possible only at the very highest levels of squash.

Over 56 players took part in this year's Open. Schranz progressed to the final with a run of convincing victories. In the quarter- and semi-finals, he ousted Dunkerly and Balzan in straight sets while Bugeja prevailed against an impressive Bonello after coming back from two sets down. He then went on to knock out Morris in straight sets in the semis.

Schranz and Bugeja displayed two contrasting playing styles. Schranz's pin-point drops saw him surge into a quick lead and paved the way for him to take a psychological edge by winning the first game.

The second witnessed numerous bursts of speed from both players. Trailing 2-3, Schranz piled on the pressure, forcing Bugeja into the corners to turn the game on its head. He established an 8-3 advantage and finally clinched the game.

Bugeja's sheer determination sparked one of the most remarkable rallies in the third game. The crowd broke into applause after Bugeja retrieved a near-impossible ball off the back wall. He then continued to attack a tiring Schranz, claiming the third game.

In the fourth, Bugeja seemed to have completely turned the tables on Schranz, playing some of the match's best drops and taking an 8-4 lead. At this point, Bugeja surprisingly seemed to slow down which was all that Schranz needed to get back into the game. Slowly but surely Schranz clawed back the deficit and finally won the match 10-8.

In the women's final, Camilleri wanted to prove that she is still the top seed. Olivieri-Munroe, who is based in the Czech Republic, clearly had different ideas though.

The first game set the tone with Munroe sprinting off the starting blocks and attacking every loose ball that came her way. She went on to take the first game 9-6.

The second was a different affair with Camilleri back to her usual style, playing drops, lobs and volleys into all corners and in return forcing Munroe to defend for long stretches. The game went to Camilleri who then forged ahead in the third game with a new sense of conviction as she ran away with a superb 9-0 score.

With Camilleri leading 2-1, one could have been forgiven for believing Munroe was out for the count. At 6-1 down in the fourth game, the tide suddenly seemed to turn and Munroe won 9-6 to set up a fifth and final decider.

The last game was a classic. At no time did more than two points divide the players who went on to reach 8-8 and the first deuce of the final. At set two, the game was to be decided by whoever reached 10 first. Munroe kept her cool and grabbed the final two points to be crowned champion.

In a statement, Malta Squash thanked 6pm Limited and the Ministry for Tourism for sponsoring arguably the most successful Squash Open event to be held in Malta.