Madyson

Silver medal winner Rebecca Madyson will crown her memorable participation in this year's Commonwealth Games tomorrow after being selected by the Malta Olympic Committee (MOC) to be flag-bearer for the closing ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Madyson, 26, obtained the best Commonwealth Games result ever for Malta this week when she placed second in women's Trap at the Melbourne Gun Club.

Australia-based Madyson is expecting her second child in two months' time but despite the pregnancy effects, she held a high level of concentration to secure a very prestigious result for her and the country.

The MOC said its decision to give the flag to Madyson at the closing ceremony was not only an acknowledgment for her success but also a sign of solidarity towards the Maltese community in Australia.

They encouraged the athletes at the Commonwealth Games and welcomed the MOC contingent during their stay in Melbourne.

Chef-de-mission Pippo Psaila yesterday hailed the Maltese athletes' performance in Melbourne as the most successful result ever in international competition.

Psaila said the medal tally, besides fourth places in weightlifting and lawn bowls, has proven that the strategic objectives set for these Games have been reached.

"The results are all of a high standard," he said in a statement.

"This has yet again proved that the preparation, selection and funding policy of the MOC reaped desired dividends. With more support and funding such outcomes could multiply to more consistent and prestigious results over the coming years."

Psaila said it is high time that Maltese athletes are treated with the same regard as those of every country participating in these Games.

Malta, he said, is among 35 countries in the medals' list in Melbourne which means that 35 others have so far failed to achieve this.

Psaila also announced that bronze medallist William Chetcuti will be leaving Australia to compete in a World Cup shoot in Beijing, China. This competition is being funded through the MOC's Outstanding Athletes Scheme.

He also confirmed that the MOC will be working hard to ensure that Madyson will compete in the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Parnis 14th

Lawn bowls player Shaun Parnis had to settle for a 14th place overall in the singles competition yesterday after losing his last match of the tournament against Guernsey's Matthew Len le Ber.

Parnis was beaten by Len le Ber 2-0 (7-5 10-5).

The competition at the State Lawn Bowls Centre was won by Australia's Kelvin Kerkow.

The competitions' schedule for Maltese athletes will be completed tomorrow with the cycling squad's participation in the road race for men and women.

Meanwhile, the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) yesterday formally tabled a proposal for a new Commonwealths Championship.

The MBA are proposing that a competition be organised every four years. They also put forward Malta's candidature to organise the championships in 2008.