Snooker: Scots remain on course for Malta success

Lothian duo Michael Leslie and Robert Carlisle are still on schedule to qualify from the group phase of the European Under-21 Snooker Championship in Malta.

Leslie won his opening three matches without dropping a frame, with 3-0 victories over Matthew Calleja (Malta), Daniel Norris (Wales) and Adrien Frostin (France). Ireland's Declan Brennan then provided a tough challenge for the Bonnyrigg youngster but Leslie won a couple of tight frames to secure a 3-1 victory.

Carlisle won three of his opening four matches with only a single loss in the deciding frame to Shachar Ruberg (Israel) and the Edinburgh man should qualify comfortably. Rhys Clark (Hamilton) and Eden Sharav (Alloa) lie first and second in their groups respectively to ensure that the four Scots remain on course for the last-32 stage.

In the team championship, Scotland battled through to the last-16 stage. The team, featuring Edinburgh's Stuart Johnstone and Perth duo Bobby Cruickshank and Scott Donaldson, will now play Sweden.