8th Harry Camilleri Memorial dominated by Junior Players
Junior Champion, 13-year old Matthew Portelli won the 8th Harry Camilleri Memorial tournament with 5.5pts from 7 rounds. Portelli secures his second tournament win of the year, solidifying his reputation as one of Malta’s top players. Malta Champion Jack Mizzi also ended on 5.5pts and ended in runner-up position following Portelli’s win against him in their direct encounter. 9-time Champion Colin Pace – fresh from his recent impressive game against none other than Magnus Carlsen (albeit blindfolded) takes 3rd place. Pace also gained 5.5pts but drew to Portelli and lost to Mizzi.
The tournament featured 7 players with ratings of 2000 or higher, including 4 former Malta Champions and the current Champion. Onurcan Pala finished in 4th place with 4.5 points, while 6 players tied for 5th place with 4 points each. Among them were 9-year-old Keshav Reyansh (Under 12 champion), who defeated Duncan Vella and nearly upset Portelli, and 14-year-old Elias Aquilina. Both gained 50 and 54 rating points, respectively.
Kaan Emre Oral (4pts) won the best Under 1900 category.
Keshav Reyansh won the Under 1800 category.
Elias Aquilina won the Under 1700 category.
Zachary Briffa (2pts) won the Under 1600 category.
Final Classification:
5.5pts: Portelli M., Mizzi J., Pace C.
4.5pts: Pala O.
4pts: Zerafa P., Oral K., Reyansh K., Fong K., Zerafa R., Aquilina E.
3.5pts: Vella D.
3pts: Darmanin J., Licari C., Mizzi S.
2.5pts: Sammut R., Borda M.,
2pts: Briffa Z., Gauci D.
1.5pts: Grech J., Thornton F., Grech M.
1pt: Cachia S.