Chris Peplow and Joseph Casha Progress as Maltese Contingent Battles in WSF Championship

The World Snooker Federation (WSF) Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria, reached a decisive stage on Wednesday as the lengthy group phase concluded, confirming 78 players for the knockout rounds. Malta will be represented by Chris Peplow and Joseph Casha, the only two from the Maltese contingent to advance.

Peplow, who had already secured qualification a day earlier, maintained his impressive form with a commanding 3–0 victory over England’s Steven Croker, registering frame scores of 82–30, 47–25, and 75(55)–0. His four wins placed him at the top of Group X, earning him a direct place in the last 64, bypassing the preliminary round. He awaits the winner between Scotland’s Steven Wardropper and England’s Luke Pinches for Thursday’s best‑of‑seven encounter.

Casha also sealed his progression with a comfortable 3–0 win against Romanian Matei Unguru. He now faces a preliminary knockout match on Thursday morning against Serbia’s Vasilije Pešić.

There was disappointment for Alex Borg, unexpectedly eliminated after a 3–2 defeat to England’s Steve Crowley. Brian Cini, Aaron Busuttil, and Chris Camilleri also exited the tournament despite spirited performances, with Cini producing multiple 50+ breaks in his final match.

#MaltaDaily