Joe Grech won the first Snooker Open ranking tournament for 2006 organised by the Malta Billiards and Snooker Association (MBSA).

In the final at the Balluta Band Club, Sliema, Grech beat Simon Zammit 5-1. The latter had an auspicious start after winning the first frame 72-45. Grech, however, staged a very strong comeback and won five games in a row, compiling various breaks including one of 65 in the third frame which he won 98-15.

In the semi-finals, Grech also had to come from behind before eliminating Simon Camilleri 4-3 (70-27, 41-75, 15-82, 78-37, 61-62, 69-15, 65-10). Zammit had the better of Steve Copeland 4-1 (66-33, 85-34, 32-72, 61-29, 60-17).

During the tournament Duncan Bezzina compiled the highest break - 123. Richard Webb had another good break of 118.

After his first showing at ranking tournaments, Copeland has climbed to no.60 in the MBSA list. In all, 170 players are participating.

Despite not taking part, Malta champion Alex Borg is still topping the provisional rankings ahead of Grech, Zammit, Camilleri, Bezzina and Arthur Cachia.

The next ranking tournament gets underway on February 18.