It was an encouraging start for Malta on Day 1 of the Liechtenstein Games for European Small States. Playing in the Preliminary round of the Squash teams event, the Malta men’s and ladies teams achieved one win each. Later in the evening, the Maltese contingent also took part in the Opening Ceremony at the Rheinpark Stadion in the capital, Vaduz.

Mark Cutajar, the Chef de Mission and the Director of Sport of the Maltese Olympic Committee, told The Malta Independent after the Squash matches were over, that it was a bright start for Malta at these Games.

He said: “The victories registered by the Squash teams confirmed what we have been saying all along that our athletes are well prepared. They were very deserved and, most of all, encouraging wins, which should prove to be a morale booster to all Team Malta’s other athletes.”

Cutajar also said that organisation was improving after the hiccups encountered on the first day. “The main problem remains the transport of athletes to the venues. In the case of our shooters, they have an 80-minute trip to the range, whether it is for training or competition,” he added.

TMID Sports Editor Henry Brincat is in Liechtenstein to report on the Games.