Chef de Mission Pippo Psaila seemed elated with the results obtained by the Maltese in gymnastics, athletics and swimming yesterday, not to mention table-tennis and sailing, two disciplines which are still in progress and where the local athletes are still in line to win medals.

"We have won six medals today, two more than projected. That keeps us on target although we have to wait till Saturday for the final outcome," he said.

Psaila added: "We have had some fantastic results today. The gymnastics bronze for Caruana Turner, the silver and bronze for the Xuereb twin sisters in the 4 x 100m women and the bronze in the swimming relay not to mention the bronze medals for Nicolai Portelli and Raschid Chouhal have made us feel proud."

Psaila also mentioned the fact that other athletes, like those in sailing and table-tennis were well positioned to figure on the podium in their respective events, while more athletes are projected to win medals tomorrow in the final day of the athletics programme.

Speaking about the gymnastics bronze medal, Psaila said: "This debut medal confirms that the selection process of the Maltese Olympic Committee was justified. Let us not forget that we brought these youngsters here to give them much needed experience. They have responded magnificently with this medal," he said.