While the Singles and Doubles Leagues are slowly drawing to a close, the competitive season of the Badminton Association will be further extended with the start of the Mixed League on Sunday.

This season, four teams are contesting the event at St Martin's College. Each fixture will consist of six games: three singles games and three doubles. Play will be spread over two rounds.

The top two at the end of the second round head for a play-off, which would establish the final destination of the title. The outcome of the direct league encounters would form part of the overall play-off system.

Defending champions Birkirkara Medairco 'A' start their commitments by playing against Essex Shuttles. Having won the championship for two consecutive seasons, Birkirkara are the team to beat.

Captain Konrad Degabriele, stated the team is determined not to relinquish the title from its grasp.

Pawla Wolves Schtag are the direct contenders for the title. Their initial fixture is against Birkirkara Medairco 'B'. Having once again missed the championship last season, the Paolites are expected to go all out to end their wait for the title.

"Although Birkirkara start as favourites, our players are confident of upsetting their plans of making it three in a row," Wolves captain Kenneth Vella said.

Outsiders Essex Shuttles and Medairco 'B' will seek not to play the role of easy prey. Rather, the respective team captains, Norman Spiteri and Daniel Abdilla, are confident of their sides' capabilities and do not exclude causing an unexpected upset on their better-rated opponents in the course of the competition.

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