Malta hosts and shines at the European Table Football Championships

Last weekend, Malta proudly hosted the European Table Football Championships at the Kirkop Sports Complex, delivering an impressive performance across multiple categories. The event attracted top players and teams from across Europe, showcasing skill, strategy, and determination.

Veterans Triumph: Malta Crowned Champions

Malta achieved its greatest success in the Veterans category, where the national team claimed the top prize.

The Maltese veterans dominated their group stage, then went on to defeat Belgium in the semifinals. In a thrilling final match, Malta narrowly overcame Italy with a 2-1 victory, securing the championship title.

The victorious veterans’ squad included:

• Charlie Aquilina

• Massimo Cremona

• Mario Camilleri

• Jason Pisani

• Adrian Bonnici

• Joseph Mifsud

• Patrick Pace

• John Zammit

Under-16 Team Reaches Final

The Maltese Under-16 team also made headlines by reaching the final.
During the group stage, they defeated Spain and earned a draw against Italy.

In the final, despite a strong effort, Malta fell to Italy, losing 0-3 to finish as runners-up.

The Under-16 squad was made up of:

• Jayden Bonnici

• Gabriel Ebejer

• Luke Xerri

• Robert Farrugia Randon

Open Category: Strong Start, Narrow Exit

In the Open category, Malta impressed early by winning their group, which featured France and Austria.

However, in the knockout stage, Malta faced Belgium in a tense clash. After a 1-1 draw, the match was decided on goal difference, with Belgium narrowly advancing.

The Open team consisted of:

• Samuel Bartolo

• Derek Conti

• Mark Gauci

• Jurgen Balzan

• Jamie Bonnici

• Jean Tabone

• George Ebejer

Individual Competitions: Key Performances

Open Category

• Samuel Bartolo reached the quarterfinals but was narrowly defeated 4-3 by eventual winner Carlos Flores.

• George Ebejer progressed to the Round of 16.

• Mark Gauci and Jean Tabone reached the barrage stage.

Veterans Category

• Massimo Cremona advanced to the semifinals, losing 1-0 to Massimo Bolognino.

• Charlie Aquilina and Jason Pisani reached the Round of 16.

• John Zammit was eliminated in the barrage, while Joseph Mifsud and Patrick Pace were eliminated in the group stage.

Under-16 Category

• Jayden Bonnici reached the semifinals, where he lost to eventual champion Angelo Bisio.

• Robert Farrugia Randon made it to the quarterfinals.

• Luke Xerri was eliminated in the group stage.

Summary of Results

• Veterans Category: Malta – Champions

• Under-16 Category: Malta – Runners-up

• Open Category: Group Winners, eliminated in the knockout stage

• Individual Highlights: Samuel Bartolo (Quarterfinalist – Open), Massimo Cremona (Semifinalist – Veterans), Jayden Bonnici (Semifinalist – U16)

Malta not only demonstrated exceptional skill but also successfully hosted a major European sporting event, further cementing its reputation in the world of table football.