The return of the IWT Malta Open is fast approaching. The racketlon tournament is set to take place on the Mediterranean island from May 20 to May 22 this year – and it’s time for you to get your entry in.
The tournament began in 2015 and was an instant favourite of many players. It is just as famous for the activities that take place off the court as those that take place on it.
It looked likely that 2019 would be the last time that the country would host a racketlon tournament, at least for the foreseeable future. That has changed in 2022 though, and we are delighted to see it return to the Racketlon World Tour.
The Malta Open really is a tournament that has something for everyone. Here are five reasons why you should enter this tournament today.
1. Incredible Facilities
The Marsa Sports Club offers a rare opportunity to play racketlon under palm trees in a fantastic Mediterranean setting. The table tennis and badminton courts are brought in thanks to HiTT Malta and Badminton Malta.
Alongside the table tennis and badminton venue is a selection of glass-back squash courts that are air-conditioned, with a centre court that can hold up to 150 spectators. The outdoor tennis courts are the real crowning jewel of Marsa Sports Club.
The hard courts are open to the sunshine and under palm trees. There are few tennis courts on the Racketlon World Tour that can boast such stunning surroundings and they truly are a joy to play on.
2. Pool and Golf
There is a lot more to Marsa Sports Club than just the racketlon tournament. Got a bit of a break between matches? Got a few hours to kill before your first match? Why not go for a swim or have a rest by the large outdoor swimming pool?
The Royal Malta Golf Club is also at Marsa Sports Club. The beautiful course is home to one of Malta’s finest golf clubs and can be played by any player looking to take a break and get a few holes under their belt. Why not step away from the court and head to the course for a different sort of holiday fun?
Elsewhere at the Marsa Sports Club, there is also a variety of outdoor club restaurants and bars, a beautiful selection of manicured gardens and a cricket pitch.
3. Players Party and Karaoke
Since the emergence of COVID, Racketlon’s famous Players Parties have taken a back seat as we prioritise getting the Racketlon World Tour back up and running. With the world now in a better position with COVID, we’re hugely excited to see Players’ Parties begin to return throughout the year.
The social side of racketlon, especially players’ parties, are at the very heart of what makes our sport so popular. The Malta Open Players Party has a reputation for being one of the most fun so we’re very pleased to reveal that it’s back!
The evening will begin with a Players Dinner at Marsa Sports Club before the Party truly begins in St. Julians. There will once again be Karaoke before players head off into the night to explore all the fantastic pubs, bars and clubs that Malta has to offer.
4. Boats, Beaches and BBQs
As well as the Players Party, there are a number of other activities planned to take place away from the court across the weekend. The day before the tournament begins, on Thursday, May 19, there is an evening Tour around Valletta. This includes a boat ride across the Grand Harbour and a meal in the 3 Cities.
On Friday, May 20, there is a three-course buffet dinner at the Royal Malta Golf Club. Then, the Monday after the tournament there is a day of relaxation. A trip has been planned to one of Malta’s best beaches for a day of relaxation and watersports.
This rich schedule of activities will keep you busy around the tournament and make sure that you truly make the most out of your time in Malta, combining holiday and racketlon.
5. Accommodation and Transport Package
This year, there is an Accommodation and Transport Package available for all players in order to make the entire tournament as smooth as possible for everybody involved.
The package includes three nights’ bed and breakfast at the three start tournament hotel. The hotel is the Alexandria Hotel in St. Julians, which has many restaurants, bars and clubs all within walking distance. The hotel itself also has a rooftop pool, free wifi and a wellness centre.
The real perks of the Accommodation and Transport Package lie in the shuttles around the island. The shuttle will pick you up from the airport and take you to the tournament hotel or to Marsa Sports Club. It will also shuttle you back to the airport. During the tournament, there will be transport between the tournament hotel and the Marsa Sports Club. However, all transport is only reserved for players who book onto the Accommodation and Transport Package.
Full details about the Accommodation and Transport Package are available here, including pricing. In fact, that link has full information about the IWT Malta Open as it makes its return to the Racketlon World Tour.
The full Racketlon World Tour is available here, with the IWT Malta Open, IWT Swiss Open and Racketlon World Championships all open for player entry at this time.
Sam Barker / FIR Media Officer
