The first tournament for European Small States gets under way this morning at 10 at the Cottonera Sports Complex with the Opening Ceremony.

Participants at the tournament, which is approved by the European Table-Tennis Union (ETTU), are Malta, Cyprus, Monaco and Isle of Man.

During today’s ceremony, Johanna Grech and Alex Anastasi will be taking the oath on behalf of the players and officials.

A number of judokas, led by Andorra gold medallist Marcon Bezzina, will also be taking part in the ceremony which will include the hoisting of the flags and the playing of the national anthems of the participating teams.

Soon after the end of the ceremony, Malta’s men’s team will be playing against the Isle of Man’s team, while in the women’s category, Malta faces Monaco.

The men’s team consists of Edward Baldacchino, Mark Azzopardi, Alex Soler, David Pace and Claudio Tufigno. The women’s team is made up of Johanna Grech, Roxanne Palla, Jessica Pace and Gayle Caruana.

Also joining the Malta team is Andrezej Makowski who, together with Simon Gerada, had won the doubles gold medal at the Andorra Small Nations Games last June. Makowski will be helping the local coach Alex Anastasi.

The championships are to be officially opened by Bertie Muscat, vice-chairman of the Maltese Council for Sport.