Matthew Asciak and Kimberley Cassar failed to extend their winning streak into the finals of the ITF U-18 world ranking tournament at the Marsa Sports Club yesterday as they were beaten by their opponents from Holland and Germany respectively.

Asciak, winner of a similar tournament in Malta in 2006, had to bow to top seed Eleveld, ranked no.260 in the world, 6-4 6-1.

Malta champion Asciak led 4-2 in the first set but Eleveld hit back strongly to claim the title.

Cassar was beaten by Sekulic 6-3 6-0.

The local girl played superbly for most of the tournament but despite her bold effort she failed to make a comeback in the second set yesterday as Sekulic hardly missed a shot throughout.

Despite the defeats, both Maltese players will be gaining precious ranking points in the ITF list thanks to their exploits during the past week at Marsa.

In doubles, Cassar and Elaine Genovese were ousted from the girls' semi-final by Italians Furlanetto and Rubini 7-6 6-3 while Asciak and his Russian partner Klinchev were beaten 6-2 6-3 by no.1 seeds Al Mousa, of Kuwait, and Hejhal, of Austria.

Mousa and Hejhal won the boys competition and the girls' honour was claimed by British duo Gibson and Bayliss. They beat the Italians in the final.

In a brief statement, the Malta Tennis Federation said that it was another useful experience for the Maltese players to figure in the world ranking tournament.

It was the first time that Asciak and Cassar had made it to the final in singles in the same tournament.

Other Maltese girls to make it to the final of an ITF junior tournament before were Rosanne Dimech and Sarah Wetz.

The tournament at Marsa was sponsored by Gasan Mamo, the Malta Tourism Authority and Farsons.