Badminton Malta recently organised the 39th National Championships, played at the Cottonera Sports Complex and St Martin's College.

The Paddy Stubbs Memorial championships comprised the traditional five categories: men's singles and doubles, women's singles and doubles and mixed doubles.

Due to a large number of participants, the men's singles started with a preliminary phase. This was won by Edmond Abela who, in a balanced three-set final, beat Anthony Xuereb 18-21 21-17 21-17.

Kenneth Vella, the defending champion, again made it to the final where he faced Stefan Salomone.

On his way to the final, Vella eliminated Rodney Abela and Stephen Ferrante while Salomone defeated Anthony Xuereb and David Cole.

Salomone took control of the proceedings after a balance start and scored point after point to take the first set 21-15. He maintained his positive momentum also in the second set to win it 21-11, paving the way for a memorable championships.

Maria Borg and Fiorella Farrugia, last year's beaten finalist, made it to the final of the women's singles.

Borg won the first set 21-15. Farrugia reacted strongly and even managed to draw level in the second set at 10-10. However, Borg quickly regained control and scored repeatedly to win the second set 21-13.

The men's doubles title was retained by brothers Robert and Stefan Salomone who beat Kenneth Vella and David Cole 21-11 21-12 in the final.

Maria Borg and Fiorella Farrugia won the women's doubles title after overcoming the challenge of defending champions Joanne Cassar and Catherine Dimech, 21-15 21-13.

Stefan Salomone and Fiorella Farrugia retained the mixed doubles title. They won the final 21-14 21-12 over Kenneth Vella and Catherine Dimech.

By winning three titles, Stefan Salomone went on to secure the platonic "Triple Crown" title.