Chetcuti, Blake land main awards

Shooter William Chetcuti and middle distance runner Tanya Blake were declared Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively, the former retaining last year's title, when the results of the 2003 edition of the Sportivi Nazzjonali were announced during the presentation ceremony at the Radisson SAS Baypoint Hotel, St Julian's yesterday evening.

The voting process of this annual event, this year in its 44th edition and now organised by the Ghaqda Kittieba Sports (GhKS) with the collaboration of the Minister for Youth and the Arts Jesmond Mugliett, started a fortnight ago when the sports writers, members of the GhKS, mailed their preferences to the organising committee.

As in recent years, there were five categories for these awards. The most glamorous were those for the top male and female athletes.

Chetcuti said he was delighted to again win such a prestigious honour and he thanked all those who helped him towards his successes.

"I am pleased to be named Sportsman of the Year for the second year running," Chetcuti said.

"I achieved good results in the last two years and this honour gives recognition for my efforts."

His fourth place in the World Championships, his gold medal in the double trap in the Malta GSSE 2003 and his third place in the European Junior Championship no doubt helped him take top spot again. Chetcuti was followed by Tony Drago (pool) and Rachid Chouhal (athletics).

The GSSE double-gold medallist (800m and 1,500m) Blake, who also won a silver in the 400m and 4x400m relay, landed the female award. Second placed was swimmer Angela Galea who emulated last year's placing, while third was long-distance runner Carol Galea.

The team category was won, as expected, by the women's basketball team, winners of a gold medal in the GSSE last June.

They were followed by the rugby team and the women's national squash side.

Football referee Adrian Casha, who is also on the FIFA panel, was voted Official/Administrator of the Year ahead of Bernard Vassallo (basketball) and Kevin Buttigieg (rugby).

The John Debattista Trophy reserved for the best U-17 athletes was won by Benji Borg whose feats in 2003 included a GSSE gold medal in the Optimist class, besides prestigious placings in international competitions.

Tennis player Matthew Asciak placed second followed by another sailor, Matthew Fleri Soler.

A special award was bestowed on the Malta Olympic Committee for their organisation of the GSSE 2003 in Malta.

Results

¤ Sportsman of the Year - 1. W. Chetcuti (shooting) 292; 2. T. Drago (pool) 251; 3. R. Chouhal (athletics) 172.

¤ Sportswoman of the Year - 1. T. Blake (athletics) 280; 2. A. Galea (swimming) 231; 3. C. Galea (athletics) 193.

¤ Official/Administrator of the Year - 1. A. Casha (football) 251; 2. B. Vassallo (basketball) 207; 3. K. Buttigieg (rugby) 188.

¤ Team of the Year - 1. Basketball women's team 298; 2. Rugby national team 282; 3. Squash women's team 188.

¤ Young Athlete - 1. B. Borg (sailing) 298; 2. M. Asciak (tennis) 232; 3. M. Fleri Soler (sailing) 176.