The Marsa Junior Open 2024 concluded on a scorching Sunday, May 12th, with an exhilarating showcase of talent and determination at the Marsa Sports Club. As the home to the Asciak Tennis Academy, the venue was filled with anticipation as young athletes from across the island competed in the tournament.
A total of 48 participants graced the courts of the Kulu Marsa Junior Open 2024.
Leading the charge for the Asciak Tennis Academy was a roster of talented juniors who delivered outstanding performances throughout the event.
U16 and U14 Boys Event
Kelian Lauwers emerged as a double champion, dominating both the U14 and U16 Boys Singles events with exceptional skill and determination. In a gripping U16 final against fellow academy member Adam Zammit, Kelian showcased his prowess, securing victory with scores of 6-1, 7-5 in a closely contested match.
In the U14 Boys Final, Kelian continued his winning streak, defeating Gianluca Pace with remarkable form and precision with scores of 6-4, 6-1.
U12 Boys Event
For the first time , Andy Gingell Littlejohn managed to secure victory in the U12 Boys event by beating Gianluca Pace 6-4 6-4. In what was a tense final, surrounded by a sizeable crowd on Court 3, Andy fought for every point with great determination.
U10 Boys Event
Young prodigy George Spiteri Willits emerged victorious in the U10 category, cementing his status as a rising star in Maltese Tennis. In a highly anticipated final match, George showcased his exceptional skills against fellow academy standout James Xuereb, George secured a well-deserved victory with a final scoreline of 6-2, 6-4.
U16 Girls Event
In a captivating display of skill and determination, Carla Baldacchino won the U16 Girls category. In a highly anticipated final match, two of our brightest talents at the Asciak Tennis Academy, Carla Baldacchino and Maya Trojanawska, went head-to-head on the court.
Carla showcased her mastery of the game, delivering a stellar performance to clinch the title with a commanding scoreline of 6-1, 6-3 against the formidable 13-year-old Maya.
Despite Maya's young age and impressive skills, Carla maintained her composure and focus throughout the match.
U14 Girls Event
In a compelling match filled with skillful rallies and intense exchanges, Maja Trojanowska found herself in the final showdown of the U14 Girls category.
However, despite her formidable talents and determined efforts on the court, Maja faced a formidable opponent in Pippa Cutugno with a score of 1-6, 5-7. Maja can take pride in her accomplishments and use this as motivation to continue her pursuit of excellence in the sport of tennis.
U12 Girls Event
Juayujin Kuai showcased her formidable skills and resilience in the Girls U12 category of the Kulu Marsa Junior Open, earning the title of runner-up in a thrilling final match. Despite facing a tough opponent in Chloe Kuijt, Kuai displayed her prowess on the court, battling fiercely until the very end. Although the final scoreline ended in favor of Kuijt with a 1-6, 2-6 result, Kuai's journey to the final was nothing short of impressive.
Earlier in the tournament, Kuai delivered a stellar performance, securing an outstanding victory against the tournament's top seed, Pippa Cutugno, with scores of 6-2, 6-3. The triumph against Cutugno demonstrated Kuai's determination and skill, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest level.
U10 Girls Event
Ena Tanti won theGirls U10 category , showcasing her exceptional talent and determination on the court. In a captivating final match, Ena delivered a stellar performance against Dawn Azzopardi, securing a commanding victory with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-2. This triumph marked Ena's first appearance in an open final, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about her potential and skill as a young athlete.
Hailing from a lineage of athletic excellence, Ena draws inspiration from her mother, Sue Spiteri, a former Olympic sprinter for Malta. With a strong work ethic and unwavering dedication, Ena has honed her skills through rigorous training sessions, demonstrating her commitment to success on the tennis court.
Credit is also due to Coach Philippe, whose belief in Ena's abilities has played a pivotal role in her development as a player.
U10 Consolation Event
Daniel Fleri Soler won the U 10 Marsa Open juniors Consolation event. Nico Micallef was runner up.
Notable Mentions
Unfortunately, our leading U18 player, Dwayne Pullicino, who recently secured the runner-up position at the VLTC men’s Open just two weeks ago, was unable to participate in the tournament. Alongside him, our top U16 and U18 player, Emma Montebello, and another promising talent, Betha Mayo, were also unable to join the competition due to exam commitments. Additionally, Kurt Bonnici, another standout player, was sidelined from the tournament due to injury. Despite their absence, their presence was deeply missed, and we eagerly anticipate their return to the court in future events.
Thank You
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Jevon Dimech, the tournament director, for his impeccable organization of the event.
A special thanks also goes to the sponsors, Kulu, for their generous support. We express our appreciation to the umpires and linesmen for their diligent efforts in ensuring fair play throughout the tournament.
A big round of applause to our dedicated team of coaches: Gordon Asciak, Matthew Asciak, Coach Philippe, Coach Estoy, Coach Javi, Coach Dev, Coach Anton, Coach Denzil, Coach Andres, Coach Anastasia, Coach Enes, Coach Juan, Coach Katrina, and all our other coaches. Your tireless work and commitment to our players are truly commendable.
We also extend our gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support and dedication in enabling their children to participate in the tournament. Your encouragement and involvement are invaluable to the success of our players.
A special mention to Mr. Marc Gingell Littlejohn, President of the Malta Tennis Federation, and Mr. Simon Fiorini Lowell, Vice President of the Malta Tennis Federation, for their presence and support.
Alongside Mr. Anthony Mifsud, Chairman of the Tennis section, and Mr. Godwin Borg, Chairman of the Marsa Sports Club, they presented the trophies to the winners and runners-up.
Congratulations to all participants for their exemplary sportsmanship and dedication throughout the tournament. Your hard work and commitment have made this event a resounding success. Well done to all!
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