Matthew Asciak redeemed himself after the opening day’s elimination in the Mixed Doubles with a perfect and very impressive start in the Men’s Singles.

Yesterday morning he defeated Arnar Sigursson of Iceland 6-0, 6-0 to set a quarterfinal clash with Galvani of San Marino.

It was a big boost for the Maltese champion and third time lucky against the Icelander. In fact, it was the third time these two players faced each other in the Games for European Small States with Sigursson twice prevailing in Monaco and Cyprus.

This time the match went Asciak’s way in a most convincing manner. The Maltese player played a perfect match from start to finish frustrating his opponent with some excellent shots.

Asciak settled down quickly and took control of the proceedings almost immediately, winning one game after another to the satisfaction of the Maltese clan.

At the end of the match, Asciak said he was very happy to have won. “I think I played well today. I had not beaten him before in our previous two encounters. Yet, I was not afraid and I was successful as I managed to gain control from the start. The win was a good boost for me and the whole team in view of our forthcoming commitments, even if we are aware it will not be easy. But we will do our utmost to advance as much as possible here,” he said.

His next opponent in the Singles will be Stefano Galvani of San Marino and it should be a tight clash for a place among the last four.