Third round loss for Asciak in Malaysia

Matthew Asciak has just taken part in two ITF Futures tournaments in Malaysia.

The Maltese youngster advanced to the third and final qualifying round in his second competition in Kuala Lumpur where his run was halted by Australia's Steven Goh. Asciak lost the match 6-1 2-6 6-4.

Goh had been in the main draw for the first tournament in the Malaysian capital, where he reached the quarter-finals, but had to negotiate the qualifying rounds in the second one as the entry list was of a higher standard.

For his part, Asciak won his three qualifying matches in the first tournament but went down 6-2 6-4 to Australia's Nick Lindahl in the main draw.

In a short statement, Gordon Asciak, Matthew's father and coach, said he was very pleased with the results obtained by Malta's national champion during the two weeks he spent in Malaysia.

The ITF Futures tournaments are open to up-and-coming players who are taking their first steps on tennis's professional circuit.