Decisive matches still to be played

The doubles league has been progressing steadily throughout the season and will draw to a close on Sunday. Participants were graded in three divisions, according to standards of play.

Each fixture consists of only two sets of 15 points, thereby giving rise to the possibility of a drawn result. Three points were awarded in case of a win; a drawn result signified a point to each pair.

Contested by five pairs, brothers Robert and Stefan Salomone are the current leaders after finishing their commitments undefeated with eight points having drawn two of their four matches.

David Cole and Edmund Abela, second on seven points, can still pip the Salomone duo for the title if they win their game in hand.

However, their final encounter pits them against Kenneth Vella and Rodney Abela who, with four points to their credit and two matches still to play, are equally in with a chance for the title.

The remaining two pairs, Brian Zammit/Aldo Polidano and Konrad Degabriele/Martin Farrugia, have still to garner their first points. Their direct encounter on Sunday will establish who will remain at the bottom of the table.

Keith Mallia and Chris Salomone are leading the Second Division, contested by seven pairs, with maximum points, 15, from five matches.

Daniel Abdilla and Karl Gambin are second and still undefeated with 13 points, having won four and drawn one of the five matches played.

The two pairs will face each other in their final fixture next Sunday.

Third-placed Vincent Pace and Austin Compagno have nine points. They face Chris Spiteri and George Camilleri who are currently fourth with five points.

Division Three

Six pairs are playing in the Third Division. Albert Bezzina/Adrian Chetcuti and Juliet Gatt/Grace Saliba are joint leaders with nine points each. Both sides are undefeated, having won their opening three matches.

Both still have two matches in hand, one of which is their direct encounter. A clear win for either side should signify the title.

If the match ends in a draw, each pair's second fixture might then play a vital role in deciding the issue.

In each division, if two or more pairs finish on equal points at the top of the table, the winner's title will be awarded according to the overall result of the direct encounters.

If this is insufficient, a decider, this time the best of three sets, will be played.