Malta Open to be held this month

The Malta Chess Federation (MCF) will be organising the annual Malta Chess Open championship from January 17-23 at its premises at 87, St Vincent Street, Sliema.

This tournament is open to all chess players. The format will be a seven-round Swiss System with two hours per player per game. The event kicks off on January 17 at 3 p.m. and play during the week will commence at 6 p.m.

Presentation of prizes will take place on Saturday, January 23 at 7.30 p.m.

Last year's Malta Open was won by Duncan Vella. Colin Pace finished as runner-up and Joe Gauci and Filipina Aguilera were joint-third.

Players can apply to take part by sending an email to ronalds@global.net.mt or by calling on 9946-6706.

Meanwhile, the MCF wrapped up 2009 with the Christmas School Chess Tournament, held at St Elias College, Sta Venera, last month.

Jake Darmanin, Jean Luc Mangion, Gabriel Farrugia and Andrew Thake were the respective winners of the U-16, U-14, U-12 and U-10 titles.