A Victory & Defeat For Malta At Snooker International Challenge Cup

The Maltese team competing in this year’s International Challenge Cup Snooker in Youghal, Republic of Ireland, suffered defeat against reigning champions Scotland before bouncing back with a convincing victory over France.

The competition is decided on the number of frames won, with 27 frames contested in each match. Malta started with a 16-11 defeat against Scotland, but responded strongly in the evening session by beating France 18-9.

Against Scotland, Joseph Casha and Alex Borg were the only Maltese winners in the Men’s category, defeating Ross Vallance and Craig MacGillivray 2-1. Chris Peplow and John Farrugia lost all three frames against Dean Young and Robert Carlisle.

In the Masters, France Mintoff secured Malta’s only win, beating Paul Shanks 2-1, while Philip Ciantar, Ivan Attard and Emanuel Mallia all lost 2-1. Junior player Xavier Rizzo was also beaten 2-1 by Scotland’s Ayaan Iqbaal.

Malta’s fortunes improved considerably against France. Peplow, Borg and Farrugia won all their frames, while Casha defeated David Gauthier 2-1. Mintoff, Attard and Mallia also recorded 2-1 victories, although Ciantar lost by the same score. Rizzo was beaten 3-0 by Malo Dory-Geffroy.

After two days, Scotland lead with 52 frames, ahead of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on 46. Malta are fourth with 28 frames from one fewer match, while France have 17.

Malta now face Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, while Scotland meet France as they bid for a third title in four years.

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