Mixed Fortunes Characterise Malta's Day 2 At Mediterranean Games

Malta’s athletes continued their Mediterranean Games campaign on Sunday, with competitors in taekwondo, bocce, shooting and wrestling facing tough international opposition.

In taekwondo, 17-year-old Alycia Cassar competed in the women’s -67kg category against Croatia’s experienced Ivana Arelic. Cassar fought hard but lost in two rounds, gaining valuable experience against an established senior international competitor as she continues her transition to the senior level.

Bocce player Stefan Farrugia faced two world-class opponents in raffa singles. Against France’s former world champion Aurélien Corbihan, Farrugia showed resilience but was ultimately beaten after Corbihan dominated the decisive stages.

Later, Farrugia took on San Marino’s world champion Jacopo Frisoni. Despite winning the opening supplementary end, Farrugia could not contain Frisoni’s response, losing after three consecutive scoreless ends. Farrugia will return to action Monday against Algeria’s Houssam Eddine Hamel in the singles playoffs.

In shooting, André Cassar narrowly missed qualification for the final. He finished ninth on 116 points, level with Turkey’s Mustafa Sahin and France’s Casper Maine, but lost the decisive shoot-off. Liam Sciberras finished 12th with 113 points.

Wrestler Nico Zarb suffered a 10–0 defeat to Spain but was denied a repechage opportunity after his opponent narrowly missed the semi-finals.

On Monday, Malta’s cyclists return for the road race, while badminton and bocce athletes also continue their competitions.

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