Ciantar Joins Busuttil and Peplow in Last 64 at European Snooker Championship

The fourth day of the European Snooker Championship in Gandía, Spain, brought mixed fortunes for Malta as the knockout phase got underway. Philip Ciantar, the only Maltese player still awaiting qualification, delivered a strong performance in the morning session to secure his place in the playoffs. He defeated Portugal’s Miguel Ruivo 3–1 with frame scores of 69-2, 60-72, 59-23, and 90-10.

The playoff draw, however, immediately reduced Malta’s chances of full representation in the next round. Ciantar was paired against fellow Maltese player Joseph Casha, while Brian Cini faced Scotland’s Michael Collumb. Cini was eliminated after a 3–1 defeat, while Ciantar overcame Casha by the same scoreline, winning the final three frames with steady, composed play.

Ciantar now joins Aaron Busuttil and Chris Peplow among the last 64, with all three set for crucial matches on Thursday. Busuttil meets Latvia’s Arturs Kengis and Peplow faces England’s Zachary Richardson at 10:00, while Ciantar takes on Romania’s Iustin Scripei at 12:30. The last 64 and last 32 rounds promise an intense day for Malta’s remaining contenders.

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