Malta yesterday lost its opening match against Slovakia in the European B championship qualifying round 15-4.

Session scores were 6-2, 2-0, 2-2 and 5-0.

Malta’s scorers were Nicky Lanzon (2) and S. Camilleri (2).

In another match in the group, played before a crowd of 2,000, the home side, Slovenia, defeated France 9-7.

Today, Malta will have to face Slovenia at 8.30pm, in front of their own spectators and will then play their last match against France tomorrow at 11.30am.