hampion Charles seeks confirmation

The defence of a title is arguably more of a tall order than is the maiden victory. Beaten opponents thirst for revenge, the urgency of winning one's first title is replaced by a sense of complacency. 

Charles Micallef (shown in photo) is not immune to these sort of pressures as he prepares to defend the National Championship title he won for the first time last year. With five-time National Champion David Delicata getting the better of him in all competitions in which they came head to head after the championship, including the latest Autumn Leagues, and commanding a clear lead over him in the National Player Ratings, one cannot help feeling that Micallef will have to be better than his best to claim the national title for the second time in a row. 

A third factor might yet disturb this delicate balance of power, with Micallef finding a rival but also an ally in Theresa Brousson, who is looking to make a return. Despite her absence from the game for several months, the ten-time National Champion would not only be a serious contender for the title but would also free Micallef's bid to defend his title from the harsh logic of a competitive twosome against Delicata. 

While time will soon tell, with the Championship kicking off on 5th January, what is sure is that the psychological battle for the coveted title of Malta Champion has already started, in silence but in earnest.

(penned and published on 22.12.16 by Nicky Vella Laurenti)