Defending champions Malta last the last two frames of their semi-final against England on Thursday night and were therefore eliminated from the European Championship in Ireland.

England, the world champions, went on to win a close tie 8-6. In the other semi-final, Wales beat Ireland 8-6 to earn the right to meet England in the match for the European title.

In the individual championships, Jesmond Schembri qualified for the quarter-finals, but was then defeated by England’s Keith Brewer 7-4.