Malta started its commitments with a narrow 3-2 defeat against China yesterday.

The team, composed of Tony Drago and Alex Borg, won the first frame, but then China won the next two frames, including the doubles, to take a 2-1 lead.

Malta hit back to draw level by winning the next frame. In the final frame, the Chinese won comfortably with a century break of 120.

Today Malta faces a difficult match against Australia which is represented by former world champion Neil Robertson and Steve Mifsud, of Maltese origin.

In the opening clash, Drago will play against Robertson, while Borg faces Mifsud. These singles will be followed by the doubles match and then the reverse singles in which Drago faces Mifsud and Borg comes up against Robertson.

Other results

Group A: Pakistan-Rep. of Ireland 3-2; Egypt-Germany 3-2.

Group B: Thailand 1-Australia 1-4.

Group C: Brazil-Belgium 3-2; India-N. Ireland 1-4.

Group D: Thailand-Afghanistan 3-2; Hong Kong-Poland 2-3.