BC Catania’s Maltese trio power club to historic Serie A promotion

BC Catania’s promotion to Italy’s Serie A was sealed in spectacular fashion, with Maltese shuttlers Matthew Abela, Samuel Cali and Francesca Clark delivering a heroic final‑day performance at the PalaBadminton. The trio, representing Malta on the international club stage, overturned a 0–2 deficit to defeat Acqui Badminton 3–2 and finish the weekend with a perfect record.

Catania’s hopes looked slim early on, but Clark sparked the revival with a gritty three‑set victory in the Women’s Singles, winning 5–15, 15–13, 16–14. Abela then produced a dominant display in the Men’s Singles, cruising to a 15–4, 15–4 win to level the tie and shift momentum.

The decisive blow came in the Mixed Doubles, where Cali partnered Michelle Alercia to edge a tense contest 19–17, 16–14, sealing both the match and promotion. With three wins from three ties, BC Catania topped the standings unbeaten.

For Maltese badminton, the achievement is significant: three homegrown athletes driving an Italian club to the elite division. Serie A now awaits this impressive Maltese contingent.

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