Defending European champions malta, yesterday qualified to the quarter-final stages of the competition, beating the Republic of Ireland 11-7 in a decisive match.

The Malta team needed to beat Ireland to join Holland winners of Group A. The Malta team is formed up of Alex Borg, Simon Zammit and Guzi Grech.

The start against the Irish was not a promising one, as Ireland was leading 4-1 after the first five frames. Malta was not lucky in these first five frames losing three of them on the black.

However the Maltese were determined to keep defending their title, with Alex Borg in splendid form, potting breaks of 62, 81, 106 and 110. Alex Borg still holds the record break for these championships with 142.

Simon Zammit was instrumental winning four frames obtaining a 60 point break, whilst Guzi Grech won his last two crucial frames to give Malta an 11-7 win.

In the quarter finals Malta will now face the first team of the Republic of Ireland, a match which will be a repeat of last year’s final, when Malta emerged victorious 11-7.

This match will played this morning, with the eventful winner facing Wales or North Ireland in the semi final to be played in the evening.

It was double triumph for the Maltese over the Irish, as the seniors team beat Ireland 7-6 in the quarter final. Frans Mintoff and Tony Mifsud form the seniors team and both players were at their best yesterday with Frans Mintoff winning the 13th and decisive frame, thanks to 63-point break.

Earlier Tony Mifsud potted a 62 and a 52-point break. Today the seniors team will be back in action as they face Finland at 2pm in the semi final.