Ladies miss out on bronze

The Malta women's team failed to emulate their 2001 bronze medal success yesterday at the Cottonera Sports Complex. They were defeated by Cyprus 3-1 in the final round robin match to settle for fourth place.

The Maltese, who knew that nothing less than a win could give them a place on the podium, made a bright start taking the first set 25-23. But Cyprus, the eventual gold medal winners, were out to retain the title won in San Marino, hitting back strongly to claim the next three sets 25-20, 25-13 and 25-21.

The Cypriots finished first with a maximum 10 points, just one ahead of Luxembourg. San Marino were the bronze medalists.

The men's team finished without a win. Yesterday, they lost their final group match against tournament winners Cyprus 3-0 (13-25, 14-25, 5-25). In the overall standings, the Cypriots finished with 10 points, one ahead of outgoing champions San Marino. Luxembourg took bronze.

Ladies' standings: 1. Cyprus 10; 2. Luxembourg 9; 3. San Marino 8; 4. Malta 7; 5. Iceland 6; 6. Liech-tenstein 5.

Men's standings: 1. Cyprus 10; 2. San Marino 9; 3. Luxembourg 8; 4. Andorra 7; 5. Iceland 6; 6. Malta 5.