The Maltese tennis players in Team Malta will be on a particular mission in Cyprus next week, looking to mend the sport's reputation following a poor showing in Monaco 2007 that failed to reap the desired dividends.
Two years ago, the tennis clan had high expectations of medal-winning performances in both men's and female competitions at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
However, things did not go according to plan as Malta left the Principality without a medal in tennis for the first time since 1987.
The Malta Tennis Federation has now opted for a team of home-grown talent with Matthew Asciak and Daniel Ceros in singles and doubles while Kim Cassar and Elaine Genovese will fly the country's colours in the women's events.
Rob Tarpey has again been handed the reins of the team after the sudden departure of former coach Ian Smith who quit just a few weeks ago.
Despite the little time he had to prepare, Tarpey is confident his players will be up to the task.
"Starting my work at the beginning of May was certainly not ideal but one thing I have in favour is that I worked with these lads before, so, I know them inside out and there is already a good understanding of what I expect of them," the Englishman said.
"Monaco '07 left a negative effect on our game but I can already see that the players want to achieve a better result in Cyprus and put that upset behind them. The fact that we are playing on hard court rather than clay is an advantage as it suits us better.
"We'll now hope for a favourable draw and see how far we'll go this time around."
The Malta coach has singled out Asciak and Cassar as his medal hopefuls.
"I have a good feeling about Matthew and Kim in singles," he said.
"Matthew has improved tremendously these past couple of years. He is now playing regularly abroad and matches at that level are proper dogfights, making of him a very solid player with great stamina.
"I think he stands a good chance of a place on the podium and if he achieves that he would become the second player in men's competitions to win a medal for Malta in GSSE singles after Boris Pashanski's silver in Andorra.
"Kim's progress in the last 12 months has also been exceptional. She has quickly established herself as the top female player in the country and her never-say-die attitude makes her a very tough opponent to beat.
"Her performances in the Fed Cup were impressive, beating higher-ranked players. She is in great form at the moment and I believe she can do really well in Cyprus."
In doubles, Tarpey believes his players can also have a say for a top-three place.
"Our pairings are also competitive. Kim and Elaine form a very good partnership on court and I fancy them to go far in doubles," Tarpey said.
"Matthew and Daniel have played many times together. Daniel has a very good serve while Matthew is outstanding from the baseline and those are key ingredients in this game to advance.
"I haven't seen the entry lists of the other countries so far but the most important thing is that our team is prepared and focused.
"Monaco was hard to fathom but we are looking forward to a strong performance in Cyprus."
Tennis TEAM
M. Asciak, D. Ceross, K. Cassar, E. Genovese.