Ralph Decelis takes top honours at the 2011 IFBB-MALTA National Championships

The quality of the competitors at this year’s National Championships was at the highest standards. All contestants produced a fantastic show for the spectators at the CottoneraSports Complex on Saturday evening.

Ralph Decelis last won the overall championship in 2009 when he edged out Gilbert Zammit.

Ralph Decelis took top honours, Gilbert Zammit placed second and Stephen Borg finished in third overall.

It was not only the heavyweights that impressed the crowd, but some newcomers also impressed.

Luke Debono at 18 years of age came into the competition with a balanced physique and impressive size to take the Novice and Junior titles.

The Masters Over 40 title went to Arnold Pampanella. Stephen Deguara placed second.

Sammy Ghiller pulled back the years and impressed with his physique to take the Masters Over 60 title.

For the first time ever, the IFBB-MALTA had a Ladies Physique category with 3 competitors. Blanche Coppola edged out Jessica Ghigo and Jacqueline Borg.

Blanche Coppola will now be representing Malta at the IFBB Oslo Grand Prix next weekend in Norway.

Lawrence Agius took top honours in the 70kg class. His physique was one of the most impressive of the evening as it was a perfect balance of size and condition. Second place went to Joseph Zammit and Hamdi Damerji followed in third.

Marco Farrugia took the 75kg crown by edging out Mario Falzon and Christian Bianchi.

Jonathan Debono was the 80kg winner. Debono edged out newcomer Kenneth Bugeja who placed a well deserved second place.  Ian Pulis finished in third.

Stephen Borg was the winner of the 90kg class. Borg’s classic and perfect posing routine also won him the best poser award. Antoine Micallef placed second and new comer Luke Debono placed third.

The 100kg was won by Ralph Decelis. Gilbert Zammit placed second to edge past last year’s overall champion Joseph Camilleri.

Ralph Decelis and Blanche Coppola won the Mixed pairs title. Stephen Borg and Jacqueline Borg placed second.

The top six overall winners were: 1^st Ralph Decelis, 2^nd Gilbert Zammit, 3^rd Stephen Borg, 4th Joseph Camilleri, 5^th Lawrence Agius, 6^th Jonathan Debono.

Ralph Decelis and Gilbert Zammit will be representing Malta at the European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria on the 27 May.

Ex-champion Tony Camilleri was inducted into the IFBB-MALTA Hall of Fame and Kevin Grech was given the Friend of IFBB-MALTA award.

More photos can be seen at the following links courtesy of Josef Grech

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