Malta got a foot into the Eurovision song contest final today when the Russian entry - which has Maltese Gerard James Borg among its three authors - qualified from the first semi-final.

The Tolmachevy Sisters sang Shine lyrics, composed by Philipp Kirkorov and Dimitris Kontopoulos to lyrics by John Ballard, Ralph Charlie and Gerard James Borg.

The Tolmachevy Twins are no newcomers to the international stage. In 2006, when nine years old, the girls won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Bucharest, Romania with their song Vesennij Jazz (The Spring Jazz).

There were fears this year of a boycott of Russia's entry because of developments in the Crimea. There were some boos when Russia's name was announced among the 10 countries which qualified tonight.

Malta's official representatives, the group Firelight, will be the first to take the stage in the second semi-final on Thursday when another 10 countries qualify.

The countries which qualified today were: Montenegro, Hungary, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, San Marino, Ukraine, Sweden, the Netherlands and Iceland.

They join the Big Five - Britain, Spain, Germany, France, Italy and last year's winner Denmark.

The final will be held on Saturday.

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