Maltese badminton player Francesca Clark delivered an impressive performance at the XXIV International Giraldilla 2026 in Havana, finishing the tournament with a silver medal in the Women’s Singles category. The international competition featured athletes from several countries and provided valuable match experience for players representing the Badminton Malta Academy.

Francesca advanced to the final after a consistent run of four consecutive victories in the main draw. She opened the tournament with a series of strong straight-set wins, including an important victory over second seed Margareth Revelo. Her progress to the latter stages demonstrated composure and resilience against high-level international opposition.

The Maltese player faced two demanding three-game matches on her way to the final. In the quarter-final, Francesca defeated Daniela Acosta 21–15, 20–22, 21–17 in a contest lasting exactly one hour. She then secured her place in the final with another hard-fought win, overcoming fourth seed Mariangel Garcia 21–13, 14–21, 21–15 in the semi-final. In the championship match, the Maltese athlete met third seed Taymara Oropesa Pupo and ultimately concluded the tournament as runner-up.

Meanwhile, Maltese National Champion Sam Cassar also competed strongly in Havana. Seeded fourth in the Men’s Singles, Sam Cassar pushed Jose Manuel Jaime Magaña to a deciding game before narrowly losing 15–21, 21–18, 13–21.

Francesca Clark and Sam Cassar also paired up in the Mixed Doubles event, where they fought a close three-game battle against Javier Alas and Margareth Revelo before exiting 16–21, 21–16, 16–21.

With their international commitments complete, the players now return to Malta as preparations begin for the Malta International 2026 scheduled for 16–19 April.

Well done, Francesca!