Cassar claims the triple crown, a double delight for Clark

2024 Badminton National Championships held last weekend

The quest to win the most coveted honours in Maltese badminton produced a series of keenly contested matches as 21 players competed in the 2024 Badminton National Championships, held last weekend at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

With five titles up for grabs, namely Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, three of the finals went to a third set, reflecting the level of competition witnessed on Sunday.

It was a memorable tournament for Sam Cassar who won no fewer than three trophies for his first-ever triple crown.

The men’s singles final was an engaging affair with Matthew Abela, the defending champion, taking the first set 21-13 only for Cassar to fight back and level matters, 21-18. Cassar went on to seal his first men’s national title with a 21-18 victory in the third and decisive set.

In the women’s singles, Francesca Clark retained her title after overcoming Laureen Azzopardi in straight sets, 21-13, 21-18.

The men’s doubles final was very balanced as Cassar teamed up with Mark Abela to see off the stern challenge of Matthew Abela and Matthew Galea – 23-25, 21-15 and 21-19.

It was more of the same during the women’s doubles final as Elenia Haber and Lauren Azzopardi came back from a set down to edge past Francesca Clark and Martina Clark 11-21, 21-19 and 21-19, securing their first major honour.

Francesca Clark atoned for this disappointment as she teamed up with Sam Cassar to claim the mixed doubles honour. In the final, Clark and Cassar beat Matthew Abela and Haber 21-14 and 21-12 to top this category for the fourth year in a row.

Andrew Grech, Managing Director of Assikura Insurance Brokers PCC Ltd, sponsors of the National Badminton Championships, presented the trophies to the winners and runners-up.