Malta's judo squad managed just two bronze medals yesterday as the individual competitions were held at the Makarios Sports Hall.

These were obtained by Marcon Bezzina and Brent Law. Bezzina had won the gold in Monaco two years ago. This time, she failed to retain her -63kg title.

She started with a win against Regina Biedermann of Liechtenstein but then lost against Laura De Menech of Monaco.

In the semi-finals of the next round, she faced Laura Salles Lopez of Andorra. Bezzina who had beaten the same girl in the final two years ago, failed to produce that same form and eventually lost, having to content herself with the bronze.

In the men's 66kg category Brent Law reached the semi-final stages, winning one of two bouts. He faced Monaco's Habib El Ouachi and despite fighting valiantly the young Maltese judoka could not secure the win that would put him in the final for the gold medal and instead had to settle for bronze.

It is to be noted that both judokas were disqualified after receiving a number of yellow cards in their final matches.

Suzannah Vella was the other judoka in action yesterday. The youngster was in action in the -52kg category which started in the morning.

She suffered defeats against Svetlana Breier (Luxembourg), Yamina Allag (Monaco), Mireia Garcia Gonzalez (Andorra) and Penelope Stavrinou of Cyprus.

Alfredo Monti, the Malta national coach, was disappointed with the performances of his judokas.

He said he had expected more from the local judokas who had not been aggressive enough.

He is now hoping that the team events will provide more satisfactions than those few registered yesterday.