Roberta Cutajar strengthened her first place in the MBF National Ladies league table after obtaining seven points from her last three encounters.
In the most awaited clash, Cutajar shared the spoils in an exciting 5-5 scoreline against second-placed Donna Bugeja.
Meanwhile, Cutajar obtained two identical 6-1 victories against Ana Thomas and Vanessa Tedesco.
Earlier, Donna Bugeja had won 6-4 against Lorna Micallef to strengthen second place in the rankings.
Caroline Grech and Thomas are now sharing third place after achieving important victories. Grech beat Triziane Farrugia 6-2 while Thomas climbed further places after 6-3 and 6-2 wins against Lorna Micallef and Alessia Cassano.
The league resumes this week with the tenth round.
STANDINGS – MBF National Ladies League
Roberta Cutajar 25, Donna Bugeja 17, Caroline Grech, Ana Thomas 13, Alexia Cassano 12, Lorna Micallef 9, Vanessa Tedesco 4, Triziane Farrugia, Marie Claire Dimech 3.