The FISEC Games got under way yesterday morning with the Opening Ceremony, including a multi-lingual Holy Mass.

Competition started immediately afterwards with the Maltese being involved in handball, basketball and tennis.

It was a difficult start for the handball team, under the charge of Clyde Borg Conti and Chris Galea. They lost their encounter against France 20-6.

The French were in command from start to finish and the Maltese could not do better. Their goals came from Neville Borg, Matthew Psaila (2), James Farrugia (2) and Martin Pisani.

The girls’ basketball team was also in action and also faced strong opposition in the form of their French counterparts.

Their opening match ended in a 54-32 def2eat where the French were dominant and the Maltese found it impossible to keep up the pace with their superior opponents.

Today, Malta will be playing against Spain A at 4pm.

Malta was also involved in the tennis field yesterday where there were some satisfying results.

Alan Calleja defeated Reumer of Holland 9-4 while Matthew Asciak routed the Italian Stasi 9-0. Meanwhile, Clayton Zammit lost 9-2 against Buceta of Spain.

In the girls singles, Steffi Sullivan beat Velarde of Spain 9-3 while Kim Cassar beat Van Zoonen of Holland 9-0.

In the men’s doubles, Zammit and Calleja beat Massen and Haenen of Holland 9-6.

The singles and doubles competition will continue today.

Today’s fixtures

Basketball ladies: 4pm Spain A vs Malta

Futsal: 6.30pm Spain A vs Malta

Athletics: From 5pm onwards

Swimming: Heats from 9.30am onwards and finals in the afternoon

Tennis: 9.30am-7.30pm Continuation of Singles competition and start of Doubles and Mixed Doubles