Camenzuli, Pace beat Iceland duo in doubles play-off

Seasoned GSSE tennis player Lisa Camenzuli yesterday overcame the pain barrier to claim her ninth medal overall after partnering Stephanie Pace in the women's doubles to win a play-off for third place.

On Thursday, Camenzuli took to the indoor court at the L'Aldosa Sports Complex in Andorra with a heavily bandaged right shoulder for her singles semi-final against Mandy Minella.

She looked uncomfortable all the way against the talented Luxembourg player and lost 6-1 6-0. However, she looked in better form yesterday, showing great understanding with the promising Pace as they powered their way past Iceland's Sigurlaug Sigurdardottir and Rebekka Petursdottir in straight sets - 6-3 6-2.

The Maltese never looked like losing this decider as they broke their opponents' serve with accurate baseline play to stay in control throughout the match under the watchful eyes of coach Dusan Janicijevic.

It was Camenzuli's fifth GSSE medal in doubles after the ones of 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003. Twice she was a beaten finalist in doubles with Carol Cassar Torreggiani. That was the closest she came to winning a gold medal.

For young Pace, this was the first time she stepped up on the podium to receive a medal at these Games. The presentation ceremony was held in the evening after the doubles final for men and women.

The women's doubles title was won by Minella and her Luxembourg partner Lynn Philippe.

They beat Stephanie Vogt and Johanna Hemmerle, of Liechtenstein, 6-2 6-2.

Only five teams took part in the women's doubles tournament in Andorra. Camenzuli and Pace received a bye in the opening round but Vogt and Hemmerle were made to play an extra match to reach the final.

In the only quarter-final played this week, they beat Andorrans Cristina Gonzalez Garcia and Anna Caterina Palazon Guillen 6-0 6-0.

Today, the Malta Tennis Federation will be pinning their hopes on Boris Pasanski to win the first ever gold medal in GSSE men's singles competitions.

In the final, starting at 12.30 p.m., Pasanski plays against Benjamin Balleret, of Monaco. This match will be preceded by the women's singles final between Minella and Vogt.

Men's doubles final: Bram/Kremer (Luxembourg) bt Balleret/Couillard (Monaco) 6-7 6-4 6-3.