Malta’s dreams of advancing to the last four in the men’s singles event were dashed yesterday as our two players, Matthew Asciak and Nicki Camilleri suffered defeats in their quarterfinal matches.

However, despite their defeats, both players turned in satisfying performances against what must be considered superior opponents with a much stronger ranking.

Asciak lost 6-2, 6-2 to Stefano Galvani of San Marino while Camilleri went down 6-1, 6-3 to Benjamin Balleret of Monaco.

The pair will now be combining together today in the Mens’ Doubles semi-finals.

Women’s doubles team in the final

Meanwhile there was a splendid victory by the Maltese women’s doubles team comprising Kim Cassar and Elena Jetcheva. After receiving a bye to reach the semifinals because of their seeding, they beat Iceland’s Krist jansdottir and Staub 6-1 6-2 to reach the final.

They will be playing this final this afternoon.

Cassar and Jetcheva were also involved yesterday in the women’s singles quarterfinals.

Jetcheva lost 6-3, 6-3 to Stephanie Vogt of Liechtenstein while Cassar suffered an unexpected 6-0, 6-3 defeat at the hands of Mara Agryriou of Cyprus.