Julian Scerri Claims Runner-Up Finish at Croatian Junior Open After Outstanding U19 Campaign

Maltese junior squash player Julian Scerri delivered one of the finest performances of his young career at the European Croatian Junior Open 2026 in Zagreb, finishing runner‑up in the Boys’ Under‑19 category after a series of impressive displays against top European talent.

Scerri opened the tournament in dominant fashion, securing commanding 3–0 victories over Hungary’s top two juniors, Botond Kárai and Benjamin Vida, as well as England’s Kin Fung Ma, showcasing consistency, precision, and composure throughout the early rounds.

The highlight of his campaign came in a dramatic showdown against Kin Fung Ma, where Scerri triumphed in an extraordinary 93‑minute, five‑game battle — the longest match of both the tournament and his career. The marathon encounter underlined his exceptional endurance, mental resilience, and fighting spirit on court.

Scerri continued to push high‑level opponents to the limit, taking Portuguese national team player Rafael Neto to five games and producing a competitive performance in a narrow 3–1 defeat to eventual champion Axel Daujon, France’s No.2 junior.

His runner‑up finish marks another significant milestone for Scerri on the European Junior Squash Circuit, reinforcing his status as one of Malta’s most promising young athletes.

#MaltaDaily