Malta second in men's team event

The European Small States Championships got underway yesterday at the Cottonera Sports Complex when the team event in both the men and women categories were played.

The Malta men's team, composed of Andrejz Makowski, Mark Azzopardi, Edward Baldacchino and Alex Soler, produced a creditable performance placing second in the four-team competition which was won by Cyprus.

Malta beat the Isle of Man 3-2 and Monaco 3-1 but had to bow to the superior Cypriots who won the decisive match 3-0. Cyprus finished top with a maximum of six points. Malta took the runner-up spot ahead of Monaco and the Isle of Man.

The women's competition was contested by three teams. Monaco placed first ahead of Cyprus with Malta settling for third place after losing both matches.

Roxanne Palla, Joanna Grech, Gayle Caruana and Jessica Pace formed the Malta women's team.

The Championship resumes this morning when the singles tournaments are played in Cottonera.

Team Event final placings: (Men) 1. Cyprus; 2. Malta; 3. Monaco; 4. Isle of Man. (Women) 1. Monaco; 2. Cyprus; 3. Malta.