Last Weekend, the Malta Table Football Sports Association organized the annual “Malta Open” Knock-Out competition as well as the individual national championships in the Veterans, Under-20, and Under-16 categories.
In the Malta Open, as predicted, Malta Champion Samuel Bartolo retained this title as well.
In the semifinals, George Ebejer defeated Jason Pisani 2-1, while Samuel Bartolo had to struggle a lot when he was 0-2 down against Jean Carl Tabone to bring it to a 2-2 score with 10 seconds left in the match. In extra time (sudden death) he had moments where he could have easily conceded a goal, but he held firm to dominate in the penalties and won them 3-0, thus obtaining another national “Double” in his record of achievements.
In the Veterans category, we also had a final victory as predicted with Charlie Aquilina’s win. However, in the group stage, he suffered a significant 1-4 defeat against John Zammit. But in the semifinals, he advanced by a `walk-over` against Massimo Cremona to meet in the final against the same John Zammit, who in the other semifinal had defeated the highly rated Mario Camilleri with a score of 2-1.
The final was a different story, and this time, Aquilina bringing out all his experience to defeat John Zammit 2-1.
In the Under-16 category, we had Robert Farrugia Randon’s victory, where he dominated Gabriel Ebejer in the final, defeating him 5-0.
In the Under-20 category, it was a different story. Farrugia Randon faced a strong challenge from Thomas Ebejer, and in their direct encounter, they ended in a 4-4 draw.
Farrugia Randon won the title due to a better goal difference, making him the champion of both categories.
Thanks to Patrick Pace – President MTFSA – for the report