Six Maltese players were yesterday in action at the start of Time Format World Billiards Championships.

In the group stage matches, Paul Mifsud won his first two games against Alan Puan of Singapore 1255-467 and against Belgian Martin Spoomans 839-650 on the opening day.

Guzi Grech emulated that feat in Group D, beating handsomely both Roy Lattimer of N. Ireland (1834-521) and Tommy Ang of Singapore (1092-326).

However both Pullu Grech and Duncan Bezzina lost their opening matches. Against strong opponent Pankay Avani of India, Grech figured well despite losing 656-1067 and then went down to Ireland’s John McIntyre 467-703.

Bezzina was heavily beaten by Martin Goodwill of England (419-1283) and Australian Matthew Bolton (542-1421) in Group C.

The other Maltese players in action, late in the evening were Alex Borg and Frans Mintoff. The former beat Grant Hayward of New Zealand 808-433 in the first match while Frans Mintoff lost to one of the favourites, Geet Sethi of India 4-12-1885. Later Borg was to meet Larry Drennan of the Irish Republic while Mintoff’s second opponent on the day was Mark Boyle of Scotland.