Malta produced an impressive showing at the 32nd edition of the Trans Alpino Mediterranean Youth Games in Bardonecchia, Italy, returning home with a team medal and an individual bronze medal.

In the teams event, Malta battled their way into the play-off for fifth and sixth place, where they faced top seeds Spain.

The tie went down to the doubles, with Malta coming agonisingly close to completing a comeback. The Maltese pair led 10-9 in the deciding third set, but Spain managed to edge the contest and secure the victory.

There was also a strong performance in the girls’ singles, where Arena Ivanova reached the semi-finals.

Ivanova pushed her Spanish opponent all the way in a thrilling encounter, taking the match to a deciding set after holding the lead at various stages. The Spaniard eventually prevailed 3-2 in a match that could easily have gone Malta’s way and secured Ivanova a place in the final.

After competing in more than 18 matches over two intense days, Malta’s efforts were rewarded with two podium finishes – a team medal and bronze for Ivanova in the girls’ singles.

The results represent an encouraging showing for Maltese youth table tennis on the international stage.