Elaine Genovese started proceedings against Laura Syori in the first rubber. The Maltese player started strongly and never allowed her opponent to settle to win the match 6-1; 6-3 to give Malta the perfect start. Next up was Francesca Curmi against the world number 296, Nahimana Sada. Both players were contesting every single point but Sada prevailed and won the first set 6-4. Francesca reacted strongly and played superbly to win the second set 6-3 to take the match to the deciding 3rd set.Sada showed all her qualities when after losing the first 2 games she reeled off 6 games in a row for a final score of 6-4; 3-6; 6-2 to level the tie. The tie depended therefore on the doubles encounter with Francesca Curmi and Elaine Genovese pitted against Sada Nahimana and Laura Syori. The first set was very well balanced but the Burundian girls took it 7-5 after winning the last two games. The second set seemed to be another tight affair but play was suspended because of a thunderstorm at 2-1 for the Burundians.
The deciding doubles match between Francesca Curmi and Elaine Genovese vs Sada Nahimana and Laura Syori resumed earlier today with the score standing at 7-5; 2-1 for the Burundians. Our girls started brightly and reeled off 4 games in a row to take a 5-2 lead. Our opponents took the next two games to crawl back to 4-5 only for Fran and Elaine to break the Burundians ‘ service game to close the set 6-4 to take the match to the deciding set. After securing the set our girls’ confidence was high and the Maltese duo didn’t allow the Burundians to settle and get any sort of rhythm to win the set 6-1 and emerge worthy winners with a final score of 5-7; 6-4; 6-1. Well done Malta and on to the next one against the Portuguese.
