Team Malta enjoyed a positive start at the Mediterranean Games in Oran, Algeria as tennis duo Matthew Asciak and Liam Delicata progressed to the round of 16 in contrasting fashion.
Asciak was up against Greek player Alexandros Skorilas in the first round and the experienced Maltese player was off to a strong start when he sailed through the first set 6-1.
In the second set, the Greek player stepped up his game and went on to force a decider when taking the second set 6-3.
It looked as though Asciak was on his way out of the competition when trailing 5-2 in the decider, but the Maltese player kept fighting and managed to complete an astonishing fightback to take the third set 7-6.
Asciak will now face the winner of the first round match between Martin Muedini, of Albania, and Spain’s Lopez Mongagud.
Earlier, Liam Delicata progressed to the second round of the tournament without lifting his racket as his Greek opponent, Aristotelis Thanos, withdrew from the match, handing the Maltese player a walk over.
Delicata will now face the winner fo the match between Vullnet Tashi, of Kosovo, and Tunisia’s Mohamed Aziz Ouakaa.
In the sailing competitions, Karl Miggiani was the first Maltese athlete in action on the water when he took part in the opening race of the IQ Foil event.
Miggiani ended his commitments in 12th place.
