The tennis competitions also get under way today as the local players are hopeful of achieving better results after the disappointments at the Monaco and Cyprus Games.

Three players - Matthew Asciak, Nicky Camilleri and Elena Jetcheva - trained regularly yesterday morning while awaiting the arrival of Kimberley Cassar, scheduled to join the squad just before last night’s Opening Ceremony in Vaduz.

The only problem seems to be the weather as some rain is forecast for tomorrow. If it rains, play will be moved indoors and that would constitute a problem for all, as no one has been allowed to train on the rubber courts.

Gordon Asciak, captain of the team, who had won the Doubles Gold medal at the Malta Games in 1993, is optimistic about the teams’ chances. “It is about time we register some good results and perhaps win a prestigious medal. In my opinion, we can also win not one, but two medals. The players have trained for a whole six weeks away from the country – a fortnight in Greece and a week in Israel,” he said.

He also said that Liechtenstein are the No. 1 seeds, while Cassar is seeded No. 2 in the individual event. With Scholl of Luxembourg meeting the Liechtenstein No. 1, Cassar should have a relatively easier opponent.

Asciak is also hopeful that Malta will do well in the doubles. “Jetcheva is a strong player, but still has to get more experience in the singles events. However, in the doubles, with Cassar, they should form a strong combination, and this is where I hope we will win one of our medals,” he said.

As to the men, Asciak said Malta stands a chance of winning a bronze, at least, due to the fact that one of the former strongest players – Lisnard of Monaco – is not playing in these Games. “If we avoid Liechtenstein at the start, then we should be hopeful of advancing,” he added.

Asciak also commented about Nicky Camilleri who has been training with the squad for the past week. “He is studying in the United States, but he has a lot of talent. He has integrated well in the squad’s surroundings. Next year, we also hope to see him joining the squad for the Davis Cup matches,” he added.

Together with Gordon’s son Matthew, who is the Malta champion, Camilleri should also combine to form an interesting pair to watch in the men’s doubles event.