Joe Genovese... All Malta Open skeet champion

The All Malta Open skeet competition is an annual appointment and it is every shooter's ambition to win this coveted competition in order to carve his name on the plaque in the Federation club house.

The All Malta Open is shot on two days over the weekend, 75 clays on Saturday and 50 clays and a 25-clay barrage on Sunday. Joe Genovese rose to the occasion on Sunday morning with a superb straight to gain an edge over his closest rival Paul Vella, which he managed to retain till the end. Genovese topped the board, six clays above Vella, to ascertain himself of the title of All Malta Open champion.

Final standings: 1. Joe Genovese 137, 2. Paul Vella 131, 3. Robert Mula 125, 4. Ian Dalli 121, 5. Charles Agius 120, 6. Elenio Mifsud 117.

Veteran Cutajar wins Qormi trophy

If ever there was an award for the longest outstanding participation within the Malta Shooting Federation (MSF), then probably Joe Cutajar would top the list for that title. He has been an ever-present shooting competitor for over 30 years.

Cutajar has actually witnessed the evolution of the MSF from its early days in Attard to the present-day modern facilities in Bidnija.

Some months ago, Cutajar went through a period of ill health which kept him away from the shooting scene since last May. After a full recovery, last Sunday he made his comeback by entering for the Guns and Target Trophy, held at the ranges of the Qormi Clay Shooters Club. The competition was on 50 clays and a 25-clay barrage final.

Cutajar shrugged off the younger competitors to top the barrage final list with 69 clays on a par with Aldo Falzon. The loud roar of the spectators when Cutajar won the shoot-off for the trophy underlines the respect this veteran shooter enjoys in local shooting circles.

Final - 1. Cutajar 69, 2. Falzon 69, 3. Grech 66, 4. Gatt 65, 5. Camilleri 64, 6. Cassar 62.

On Thursday, a reception was held at the ranges in Bidnija. The MSF awarded a memento to William Chetcuti for his bronze-medal performance at the Commonwealth Games.

MSF president Saviour Portelli announced the opening of the Maltacom All Malta Trap Open Competition to be held this weekend.