Brian Cini has been awarded the first Elite Athlete Award for 2025, recognising his exceptional performance during the months of January and February.
The 28-year-old snooker player earned this honour following his impressive run to the final of the IBSF World Snooker Championships, where he finished as runner-up after a closely contested 5-3 defeat against rising Chinese talent Yang Gao.
Despite Gao taking the opening frame, Cini responded with poise, securing the second and third frames with breaks of 67 and 78 to take the lead. Gao levelled the match before the interval, and the two players continued to produce snooker of the highest quality. Ultimately, the 20-year-old Gao maintained control in the final stages to close out the victory. Gao’s win grants him a place on the professional World Snooker Tour, while Cini’s runner-up finish earned him the opportunity to compete in the World Championship Qualifiers held earlier this month in Sheffield, England.
Franco de Gabriele, Chief Commercial Officer, praised Cini’s efforts: “We take great pride in supporting local athletes and recognising their hard work and dedication. Brian Cini’s remarkable achievement is a testament to his talent and commitment. He is a truly deserving recipient of this award, and we wish him the very best in his career.”
Clinton Buhagiar, President of the Malta Sports Journalists Association, also commended Cini: “Brian is one of the best athletes we have at the moment. He exemplifies determination, professionalism, and perseverance. Reaching the final of a prestigious championship like this is a result of his serious approach to training and development. I am confident we will continue to hear more about Brian in the near future.”
The Elite Athlete Award is presented every two months to recognise outstanding sporting achievements by Maltese athletes. The winner is selected by a dedicated panel comprising sports journalists and observers, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of all eligible performances during the review period.
