Judo Coach Releases Statement After Katryna Esposito Eliminated from Olympics

Jul 29 2024

Katryna Esposito , the first Maltese athlete to compete in this year’s Olympic Games in her debut against Mongolian judoka Bavuudorjiin Baasankhüü in the -48kg class. Their round of 32 bout took place at the Champ de Mars Arena in Paris on Saturday, July 27th.

Despite the formidable challenge, Esposito’s aggressive tactics forced Baasankhuu into two successive infringements, nearly causing an upset. However, Baasankhuu’s experience prevailed as she secured a second wazari, winning the contest via ippon and eventually earning a silver medal.

Esposito’s coach, Aurelian Ciprian Fleisz, expressed his pride in her performance. “We leave today with our head held high, but with a broken soul. We end these Games with honour, hoping it brings good things for both judo and sport in Malta. I am proud of Katryna, of her involvement both today and throughout the qualification process. Fighting the current world champion was an honour. This defeat will fuel and motivate her, bringing future success.”

The Maltese Olympic Committee supported Fleisz’s comments, emphasizing Esposito’s fighting spirit and technical skill as a historic milestone for Malta.

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No Crucifixes Removed From Mater Dei Wards

Jul 29 2024

Mater Dei Hospital issued an official statement confirming that no crosses were removed from wards in the hospital except for where there was maintenance work being done.

This statement came after certain posts were circulating on social media alleging that crucifixes were being removed.

One such post was shared on ‘Are You Being Served? (Malta & Gozo) The Original’, wherein a poster told the management ‘well done’ for removing the crosses as ‘every religion should be respected since not all patients are Catholic’.’

The post has since been removed, with the Mater Dei statement amassing over 600 likes.

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Deadpool & Wolverine Breaks R-Rated Record With $205M

Jul 29 2024

Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” has taken the top spot at the box office with a record-breaking $205 million opening weekend in North America, surpassing the previous R-rated film record held by “Deadpool” ($132 million).

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Including $233.3 million from international markets, the global opening reached over $438.3 million. The film’s performance places it among the top 10 openings ever, specifically eighth, just behind “The Avengers” and ahead of “Black Panther”.

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It is also the biggest July opening and the highest opening for an R-rated film, surpassing “The Lion King” (2019).

“Deadpool & Wolverine” marks a significant introduction of these characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), performing more like an “Avengers” film. It achieved the year’s biggest opening, beating “Inside Out 2” ($154.2 million) and surpassing ticket sales since “Barbie” ($162 million).

Playing in 4,210 locations, the film’s success is crucial for Marvel Studios, which has faced recent disappointments, including “The Marvels”.

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Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced the MCU has now grossed over $30 billion. At San Diego Comic-Con, Robert Downey Jr. revealed he will return to Marvel as the villain Doctor Doom.

Despite the success, the top domestic opening record remains with “Avengers: Endgame” ($357.1 million).

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Ryan Cachia Wins Kick Boxing Competition in Rosolini, Italy

Jul 29 2024

Ryan Cachia of Team Noel Malta triumphed at the Evolution Fight Night in Rosolini, Italy, defeating Italian fighter Giuliani Vernuccio.

Within the first minute of the first round, Vernuccio was knocked by Cachia’s strong punches and kicks, which caused the referee to begin counting. Vernuccio persisted in fighting in spite of this. In the second round, Cachia kept his momentum by employing successful combo strategies. The referee did not count Vernuccio’s second right-hand punch, which prompted Cachia’s coach Noel Mercieca to protest. Both boxers displayed different combinations in the third round, but Cachia rose above and won by a unanimous decision.

Kaiden Camilleri, another young fighter on the team, competed in the match but was defeated by an Italian opponent on points. This was Kaiden’s first time participating in a competition like this.

Coach and Master Noel Mercieca, express his satisfaction with both boxers, particularly Cachia. He pointed out that Cachia won despite having only two weeks’ notice to accept the fight. Mercieca emphasised his joy at winning overseas and stated it motivates him to continue giving Maltese boxers a chance to compete abroad.

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