Francesca Curmi and Elaine Genovese brought home Malta’s first ever tennis medal from the Mediterranean Games, winning silver in the women’s doubles at the 19th edition in Oran, Algeria.
In the semi-final the Maltese pair beat top seeds Nuria Brancaccio and Aurora Zantedeschi of Italy 3-6, 7-6, 11-9, becoming the first Maltese tennis players to reach a Mediterranean Games final. Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Guiomar Maristany Zuleta proved too strong in the final, winning 6-3, 6-2, and MOC President Julian Pace Bonello presented the silver medals.
Twenty-three athletes competed in athletics, cycling, sailing, shooting and tennis. Flag bearer Marlon Attard reached the skeet final, and cyclist Dan Bonello was in the front group of the road race until a puncture 20km from the finish, eventually placing 30th of 73. Dillon Cassar and Lisa Bezzina battled hot, humid conditions in the half marathon.
Malta’s Mediterranean Games record now stands at one gold, four silver and four bronze medals. Johanna Grech was Chef de Mission.
