Malta’s representatives made an encouraging start at the European Individual Seniors Snooker Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria, winning five of their seven matches on the opening day.
This year’s competition has been divided into two age categories, with separate events for players over 40 and over 55. Players aged 55 or above can choose which category they wish to enter.
In the Over-40 category, Alex Borg and Philip Ciantar both enjoyed comfortable victories, each recording a 3-0 win.
Borg defeated Lithuania’s Darius Bublys, winning the three frames 72-37, 61-7 and 52-7. Ciantar was equally impressive against Ireland’s Jay Chopra, winning 79-25, 71-27 and 49-36.
The Over-55 category, known as the Super Seniors event, saw three Maltese players in action.
France Mintoff enjoyed an excellent opening day, winning both of his matches and securing his place in the knockout stage. He began with a convincing 3-0 victory over Finland’s Juhani Koskelin before producing another strong performance against England’s Ian Buckley. Their second match went all the way to a deciding frame, with Mintoff eventually winning 3-2.
Emanuel Mallia also started his campaign with a victory. After dropping the opening frame against Ireland’s Stephen Merrigan, Mallia recovered strongly to win the next three and complete a 3-1 success.
Ivan Attard, however, endured a difficult day and was eliminated after suffering two 3-1 defeats. He made a positive start in both matches by taking the opening frame, but could not maintain his advantage against Sweden’s Andy Nettleton or Wales’ Darren Morgan.
Morgan, a former professional, is among the leading contenders in the Super Seniors competition and has already enjoyed considerable success in previous E.B.S.A. events.
The Maltese players return to action on Thursday for the remaining group matches. Those who qualify from the Super Seniors groups could also begin their knockout campaigns.
Thursday’s Maltese Matches
- 09:00 — Over-40 Group K: Alex Borg vs Patrick Geysels (Belgium)
- 13:00 — Over-40 Group C: Philip Ciantar vs Darryl James (Wales)
- 13:00 — Over-55 Group A: Ivan Attard vs Paul Arnold (Ireland)
- 15:00 — Over-55 Group C: France Mintoff vs Eddy Kinderemans (Belgium)
- 17:00 — Over-55 Group J: Emanuel Mallia vs John Breeze (Wales)
- 17:00 — Over-40 Group K: Alex Borg vs Gavin Colcombe (Wales)
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