Traditionally, judo and sailing always figured prominently for Malta in the Games of the Small States of Europe.
In fact, in the previous 12 editions of the Games, Maltese judokas chalked up 52 medals in all (11 gold, 17 silver and 24 bronze) while our sailors returned home with five gold, five silver and four bronze medals overall as this water sport is not a regular fixture in GSSE.
This year, judo and sailing are both included in the Cyprus calendar, so, the MOC is again banking on them to lift the country's hopes in the medals table.
Marcon Bezzina and Joanna Camilleri are again in the judo team to defend the titles won in Monaco 2007.
At 23, Bezzina is already among the veterans in the team with three GSSE appearances. She made her debut in Malta 2003 when she won bronze in the individual event and silver in the team competition. Two years later, Bezzina struck gold in the -57kg category and landed another silver in the team event.
In Monaco, the Bath University judoka moved up a division but still managed to strike gold in the -63kg class.
Despite the distinguished pedigree, Bezzina admits she feels a bit under pressure to maintain her status in the -63kg.
"After two successive first places it's only natural that there will be huge expectations," she said.
"Two years ago, I was making my first showing in -63kg so nobody expected instant success. But this time things are different because I'm the title holder."
Bezzina has been honing her judo skills at the Bath University, under the tutelage of renowned German coach Jurgen Klinger.
"In England, I can focus totally on my judo in a professional set-up which helps a lot," Bezzina said.
"Training regularly at that level helps one to improve stamina and, mostly, overall skills. A few weeks ago I competed in the British Open and placed ninth from an entry of 26 in my class.
"I consider this a satisfying result, given the strong entry they had."
Kris and Brent Law are again in Team Malta for Cyprus along with newcomers James Falzon, Tiziana Apap and Susanna Vella.
Bezzina reckons that it is difficult to make the grade here, given the limited resources.
"It's always hard for us to raise the bar," Bezzina said.
"The young ones practising the sport are few. It's not the first time that boys and girls mix for sparring sessions to make up for the lack in numbers. As in other sport, our judo would improve significantly if others get the opportunity to pursue their career abroad."
Sails ahead
Two years ago in Monaco, Sean Borg topped the boys Optimists race while Ella Fleri Soler placed second in the girls' competition.
This time, coach Jean Paul Fleri Soler has an almost new squad with Thomas Zammit Tabona the only sailor with GSSE experience.
For the past 18 months, Fleri Soler conducted a rigorous build-up as his sailors figured in six international races.
Recently, they sailed in a competition in the UK with 450 sailors on the water. Zammit Tabona was undaunted though and placed fourth overall with Edward Fleri Soler close behind in sixth place.
"The early signs look promising," coach Fleri Soler said.
"Despite being relatively new, this squad has reached a peak just in time for Cyprus.
"I'm confident of a medal-winning position but then it will depend on the competition we will face.
"Our sailors competed in different countries lately but did not gauge potential with those of the other GSSE nations. So I can't say much at this stage. But I'm sure the Optimists team will play a prominent role in Cyprus."
In Laser, Benji Borg, GSSE gold in 2007, will team up with Zak Borg and Jan Rossi in the Standard competition. Rachel D'Amato and Maya Podesta race in Radial.
"Our prospects were dealt a blow when the Cyprus organisers opted for Standard instead of Radial for boys. We were not used to this competition," Mario Aquilina, the Laser coach, said.
"However, despite the novelty, the boys have done pretty well to adapt to the new equipment and results in international regattas were satisfactory. Cyprus start favourites but I also think that we can fight for a medal."
Aquilina is equally hopeful of a fine showing by Podesta and D'Amato.
"Both Maya and Rachel have been outstanding in training and shown great commitment.
"They have enough skills to be successful but this is no easy sport and all depends on the conditions we'll find on the day of competition."
Judo team
Men: K. Law (60kg), B. Law (66kg), J. Falzon (73kg).
Women: T. Apap (48kg), S. Vella (52kg), J. Camilleri (57), M. Bezzina (63kg).
Sailing team
Optimist: E. Fleri Soler, K. Miggiani, T. Zammit Tabona, N. Manduca.
Laser standard: B. Borg, Z. Borg, J. Rossi.
Laser radial: R. D'Amato, M. Podesta.