Malta started its commitments at the Dortmund world championships with two 3-0 defeats against Pakistan and Macao.

Against Pakistan on Sunday, only Alex Soler managed to win a set, losing 3-1 to M. Yousef (2-11, 6-11, 12-10, 6-11).

Edward Baldacchino lost 3-0 to K. Razzaq (6-11, 5-11, 6-11) while Andrew Gambina also lost 3-0 against A. Qureshi (8-11, 8-11, 8-11).

In yesterday’s match against the strong Macao side, all three Maltese players failed to win a set.

Alex Soler again obtained the best result, losing narrowly in three sets to Che Chi Pan 10-12, 6-11 and 12-14.

Edward Baldacchino was also beaten narrowly by Hoi Wa Chang – 6-11, 9-11, 10-12.

And Andrew Gambina also showed improvement over the first day’s performance despite losing

7-11, 2-11, 10-12 against Kin Wa Leong.

Today the Malta team has a double assignment, having to play against Syria first, and Puerto Rico later. The final group match is to be played against Morocco tomorrow.

The players are acocmpanied by national coach Mario Genovese and the president of the Malta Table-Tennis Federation Joe Borg Cardona.