The Arkadia Gozo Squash Open 2010 was held at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz last weekend. The tournament produced a series of exciting and entertaining matches throughout the day with competitors in both the ‘B’ and ‘A’ events testing their fitness and playing 3 or more matches within a short 4-hour period.

The number of local players taking part has risen from last year showing that the efforts of the Gozo Squash Association in promoting squash locally in Gozo is creating more interest in playing squash in Gozo.

The ‘B’ event started at 09.30 with 16 participants each playing 4 matches. The top 2 seeds, Adrian Pace and defending champion Matthew Borg, both reached the final with close-fought victories in the semifinals against Sue Aquilina and Mark Wright respectively. The final was evenly contested as both players fought for every ball. In the end Borg remained in control and was able to take the deciding game 11-7 to defend his title from last year.

The qualifying for the ‘A’ event followed on at 13.30. There were no surprises here and the 4 winners moved into the first round to face the top seeds.

Two youngsters produced the performances of the day – both showing remarkable maturity and commitment against 2 of the more experienced players. Young John Cuschieri put in a tremendous performance against Robert Sultana pushing the division 1 player all the way before losing out to Sultana’s superior fitness and experience.

Another youngster, Colette Sultana, showed glimpses of what the future could hold in her match against Peter Wirth. Sultana has never beaten Wirth in a competitive match and produced a remarkable display of attacking, thoughtful squash in the first game. Wirth responded well in the second game with Sultana losing her rhythm and focus. Wirth maintained his momentum and took the third and fourth sets with relative ease.

The semi-final line up saw oldie Paul Lake, a last minute replacement for injured George Vassallo, playing Robert Sultana, and defending champion Carl Camilleri facing up to Peter Wirth. Lake defeated Sultana in 4 closely fought games 3-1, while Camilleri produced a clinical display to send Wirth home 3-0.

The final was a testament to Camilleri’s recent improvement. Camilleri dominated the match from the start and never gave Lake a chance to find his rhythm and ran out a comfortable 3-0 win to defend his title from last year.

Mr George Larry Zammit, marketing manager from Arkadia Gozo presented the winners with their prizes and was pleased to see such a good turnout, with so many players enjoying a well-organised afternoon’s squash in Gozo.

Gozo Squash Association president, Mr Amand P. Veranneman, thanked General Manager Mr Noel Attard from the Kempinski Hotel and Spa for providing their excellent facilities and also Arkadia Gozo for their support. He added ‘It’s always a pleasure to see so many players enjoying playing this great sport. The players appreciate the efforts we make to create a successful event for them and we look forward to seeing many of the players returning to our next event in July’.

Photo shows Mr George Larry Zammit, marketing manager from Arkadia Gozo presenting the winners prize to Carl Camilleri.

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