Badminton Malta recently organised their 42nd National Championships.
Since 1998, the Nationals have been sub-titled as the ‘Paddy Stubbs Memorial Championships’, to keep alive the memory of this well-known philanthropist and sports benefactor.
Matches were played mainly at the Cottonera Sports Complex with three of the finals staged at St Martin’s College, Swatar.
Due to the comparatively large number of participants, the men’s singles started with a preliminary round. This was won by Matthew Abela. He beat Albert Bezzina over three sets (21/16, 19/21, 21/14) in the final.
Stephen Ferrante and Samuel Cali contested the singles final.
On his way to the final, Ferrante eliminated Abela and Aldo Polidano while Cali had the better of Edmond Abela and defending champion David Cole.
After a balanced start, Cali seemed to gradually gain the edge over his opponent. Ferrante’s anticipated reaction came too late to prevent Cali from taking the first set 21/18.
Cali maintained his momentum but realising that the final was slipping from his grasp, Ferrante threw caution to the wind and went into an all-out attacking mode.
Despite Ferrante reducing the margin to 14/18, Cali kept his cool to take the second set 21/15 and, with it, the first national singles title of his career.
The women’s final was contested by Fiorella Marie Sadowski and Dominique Francica.
It turned out to be a somewhat one-sided affair as the more experienced Sadowski was in control from start to finish, defeating her opponent 21/12, 21/8 to add another title to her curriculum.
In other categories, the men’s doubles final was won by Cali/Ferrante who overcame Aldo Polidano/Martin Farrugia 21/17, 21/19.
The women’s doubles final saw Jacqueline Grech Licari/Joanne Cassar prevailing over Klara O’Berg/ Fiorella Marie Sadowski at the end of an exciting three-setter.
The mixed doubles contest was won by Sadowski/ Ferrante in straight sets at the expense of Catriona Francica/David Cole, 21/15, 21/19.
Badminton Malta expressed its satisfaction at the high standard of play as well as the sportsmanship shown throughout the championships.
“This augurs well for the future of this sport,” the association said while thanking all the volunteers whose valid contribution was instrumental in the successful staging of this event.