Peng Fei Li and Jessica Pace won Malta’s first medal in table tennis at the LieGames when they came from behind to beat Monaco 3-1 in a decisive match from the teams’ competition yesterday.

Pace, 15, was first on the table when she played Ulrika Quist in the opening singles.

With the score tied at 1-1, Quist prevailed in a tie-break 15-13 before wrapping up the match 3-1.

Peng, however, levelled matters when she swept past Lauren Riley in straight sets.

In doubles, Pace and Peng shrugged aside a poor first set to win the next three and put the team ahead for the first time of the match.

With Malta now needing just one of the next two reverse singles to secure the bronze medal, Peng, 21, settled any doubts with another straightforward victory over Quist.

“I’m living a dream,” an ecstatic Pace said after the match.

“To achieve something for my country has always been at the back of my mind even though when I came here my only thought was to gain experience from this competition. I felt tense at first but beating the San Marino girl in the earlier rounds increased my self confidence.”

Peng said: “I’m so happy to have won a medal for Malta. Jessica has a promising future and we both gave our all in this match.

“Now, we have to shift focus on doubles and singles to make this a perfect week.”

Coach Alex Anastasi has always been at the forefront to nurture new talent. He sees a bright future for Pace.

“This is Jessica’s first experience of the Games so, obviously, she needs time to adapt in her new environs. Peng is an ideal partner and with every match Jessica’s playing here her levels continue to soar.”