Gerada reaches singles semi-finals

Simon Gerada gave Team Malta's medal aspirations a late boost yesterday when the Australia-based player stormed into the semi-finals of the men's singles to guarantee himself at least a bronze medal.

Gerada's qualification added more significance to the final day of competitions today where the Maltese will also be in medal contention in track and field.

Malta is currently sixth in the medal standings with three gold, three silver and 10 bronze. Two years ago, our overall tally was: four gold, nine silver and 17 bronze.

Gerada first beat Traian Ciociu after coming from two sets down to seal a morale-boosting 3-2 win.

Next up was Cyprus player Andreas Tziambos who proved no match for Gerada who won 3-0.

In the final group match, he took on Julien Soria, of Monaco, and chalked up a comfortable 3-0 win to finish top of his group.

Gerada then played Luxembourg's Gilles Michely and was again in top form to reach the last four with an impressive 3-0 victory.

This morning, he faces San Marino's Dagi Wang for a place in the final.

Meanwhile, Daniel Bajada failed to progress from his group.

The 14-year-old had the better of Monaco's Alexander Zelez 3-1 but lost to Marios Yiangou, of Cyprus, and Michely with identical 3-0 scorelines.