Wheng reaches singles semi-final but Gerada, Makowski eliminated
Scant reward in doubles events
Team Malta was left waiting for its first gold medal from table tennis last night after Andrzej Makowski and Simon Gerada and Yu Wheng and Joanna Grech failed to reach the doubles finals and instead had to be content with a bronze medal.
There had been another great setback earlier in the day as in men's singles both Gerada and Makowski forfeited the gold and silver medals won in Andorra two years ago after failing to reach the semi-final.
Wheng, however, is still in contention in the women's individuals event.
There was a promising start for the Maltese in the doubles with both pairs winning their respective groups to book their place in the semi-finals.
Gerada and Makowski eased past their opponents from San Marino and Iceland to set up a semi-final clash against Cyprus. They were leading 2-1 at one instance but lost momentum and the match 3-2 amid the dejection of the Maltese in the stands, including Education Minister Louis Galea.
Yu and Grech's participation in the doubles tournament followed a similar route. They eliminated San Marino and Iceland but then squandered a 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 to Cyprus and settle for bronze.
If proof was ever needed to highlight the progress these Games have made in recent years, the elimination of Makowski and Gerada amply provides that, as both Andorra 2005 finalists were eliminated from the group stage due to an inferior sets difference.
Bitter exit
Makowski's exit was even more frustrating as he won his two qualifiers yesterday but still failed to make the cut.
Gerada was beaten by Guomundur Stephensen, of Iceland, 3-2, and completed his group phase with a 3-2 victory over Gilles Michelly, of Luxembourg. That, however, was not enough for the title holder in his bid to retain his crown.
Wheng concluded her round robin commitments with a perfect record from five matches after she beat Chimei Yan, of San Marino, 3-0. She will now face Georgana Atanasova, of Cyprus, in the semi-final.
Grech finished fifth in her group with two wins and four defeats.