Squash is one of the disciplines that has brought a lot of satisfaction to Team Malta at the Games of the Small States of Europe.

Although this indoor sport has only been included twice in the biennial Games before next week’s edition in Liechtenstein, Maltese squash players enjoyed a starring role on both occasions.

The first time squash appeared on the GSSE schedule was incidentally in Liechtenstein 1999.

Team Malta landed a gold medal in the women’s team competition after Theresa Camilleri, Annabelle Diamantino, Liz Said and Johanna Rizzo claimed top spot in their event.

After the 1999 Games, the Maltese squash players had to wait four years to return to GSSE action. During Malta 2003, the host country achieved great success in squash, winning three gold medals.

Michael Fiteni and Diane Desira completed a singles double. Desira then teamed up with Pat Marsh, Diamantino, Camilleri and Rizzo to clinch the women’s team event.

The other medal at the 2003 Games was won by the men’s team, made up of Steve Schranz, Jonathan Crockford, Joseph Desira, Bernard Bugeja, Ivan Balzan and Mark Lupi. They took silver after placing second.

Eight years on from that memorable achievement, there are high expectations of another fine showing by Malta’s squash players on their return to the Games in Liechtenstein next week.

Balzan, now at the technical helm of both the men’s and women’s national teams, can bank on a strong squad that includes five foreign-based players.

Brad Hindle Deguara, ranked 84th in the world, heads the men’s team which also comprises Australia-based players Joseph Desira and Michael Fiteni and Daniel Zammit Lewis. The UK-based Zammit Lewis has a world ranking of 414.

Diane Desira, the GSSE 2003 gold medal winner, is also back in the fray for Malta and will spearhead the country’s challenge in the women’s competitions.

“We are heading to the Liechtenstein Games fully aware that we can achieve a great result,” Balzan told The Times.

“Both the men’s and women’s teams have reached peak form just in time for the Games and we will certainly be competitive in both categories. Having players like Brad and Diane in the team increases our aspirations of striking gold but we have to keep our feet on the ground and approach each competition with maximum concentration.”

Asked whether the high expectations have raised the pressure on his players, Balzan replied: “I am trying to keep the players away from the attention as much as possible and encourage them to focus on their preparations.

“The other countries are aware of our potential. They will field some very strong players, so it won’t be easy for us to be successful. In sport, it’s important that you stay humble and work hard to succeed and that is the approach we are taking. I’m confident that we can do well.”

Flag bearer

An added boost for the squash community was the news that Hindle Deguara had been appointed as Malta’s flag bearer for Monday’s opening ceremony at the Rheinpark Stadium in Vaduz.

Balzan said Hindle Deguara was over the moon when informed of his selection as Malta’s flag bearer.

“He was very emotional, almost cried with joy when I phoned to inform him of the decision taken by the MOC,” Balzan said.

“Although Brad plays abroad, his passion for Malta is huge and he is proud to represent the country.

“At the last Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, he was shattered after losing in the second round as he was keen to win a medal for Malta.

“That disappointment gave him a greater incentive to do better in Liechtenstein and I hope he will lead us to success in both the singles and teams competitions.”

Colette Sultana, 15, and 18-year-old Zammit Lewis represent the future of Maltese squash and Balzan believes they need to move abroad if they are to fulfil their potential.

“Daniel Zammit Lewis and Colette Sultana are the future of our sport,” Balzan said.

“Daniel is studying in England and this has improved his game as he is training regularly with players of a higher level.

“I hope Colette will also have the opportunity to move overseas as she has the potential to become the best Maltese female player ever.”