The Iċ-Champion ta’ Malta competition has reached a decisive phase, with the top eight players now confirmed for the quarter-finals — one of the most anticipated events on the Malta Blackball Federation calendar.

Yesterday’s round of matches delivered top-quality performances and thrilling finishes, as Glenn Axiaq, Gary Carr, Stephen Mangion, Clint Azzopardi, Clayton Castaldi, Conrad Catania, Miguel Amato, and reigning champion Johan Attard all booked their place in the last eight.

Johan Attard, the defending champion, was in control from the very start as he beat Kerstin Vella 7–2. Miguel Amato and Clint Azzopardi also impressed with solid 7–3 victories over Mevrick Zammit and Wayne Pace respectively. Stephen Mangion delivered one of the standout performances of the night, sweeping Antoine Schembri 7–0.

In two closely contested encounters, Conrad Catania edged past Miguel Mizzi 7–5, while Glenn Axiaq overcame Dielyn Edwards by the same scoreline. Gary Carr faced a tough battle but ultimately prevailed 7–6 against Lee Grima to seal his quarter-final spot.

🏆 Quarter-Final Fixtures – Tonight

• 🕢 7:30 PM – Glenn Axiaq vs Clayton Castaldi
• 🕢 7:30 PM – Gary Carr vs Conrad Catania
• 🕣 8:15 PM – Stephen Mangion vs Miguel Amato
• 🕣 8:15 PM – Clint Azzopardi vs Johan Attard

The final is set for Tuesday, 20 October at 8:30 PM, where one of these eight players will be crowned Malta Champion.