Malta’s Edward Baldacchino and Daniel Bajada suffered defeats on the opening day of the singles event at the Yokohama world championships in Japan yesterday.

Malta champion Edward Baldacchino lost 4-1 against Chansanome Khunladsuvannavong of Laos (6-11, 5-11, 11-9, 5-11, 5-11) while Bajada lost 4-0 against Shao Yu of the United States (11-7, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6).

Bajada also had to play against Patik Mehta of Indonesia later yesterday, but for some reason or other, he conceded a walkover.

By yesterday morning, Baldacchino and Bajada had not yet played their doubles match in the Round of 128.